Paddy Pimblett got a feel of Ilia Topuria’s strength moments after the UFC 317 main event.
A new fighter was added to the club of two-division champions in the UFC this past Saturday after Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira.
The result saw Topuria add the lightweight title to a trophy cabinet that already included the UFC featherweight gold. But El Matador’ barely had time to celebrate the 155-pound belt being wrapped around his waist before a potential first challenger to his reign entered the cage.
Topuria faced off with Pimblett, culminating in the newly crowned champ pushing ‘The Baddy’ after they exchanged heated words.
Paddy Pimblett reflects on heated Ilia Topuria face-off at UFC 317
While Justin Gaethje and Arman Tsarukyan have also staked their claims for the title shot, Pimblett seemingly put himself in prime position after the Octagon altercation at UFC 317.
The Scouser discussed the potential fight and his face-off with Topuria during an appearance on ESPN’s UFC 317 Post Show with Brendan Fitzgerald and Chael Sonnen.
Though Topuria executed the push while holding a title on each shoulder, Pimblett said he got enough of a feel to determine the new champ’s strength.
“I’m always prepared. I’m always ready to do that (face off),” Pimblett said.
“He didn’t get a big push, he only got a little one. But he feels weak…he’s small.”
Dana White was not a fan of the Ilia Topuria-Paddy Pimblett clash
Face-offs like the one that concluded UFC 317 have long been seen in the promotion and have worked to set up some heat for future bouts.
The UFC CEO, however, isn’t a fan.
During his press conference after Saturday’s PPV, Dana White criticized whoever allowed Pimblett to enter a cage that also had Topuria’s family in it.
“My thing with Ilia Topuria is his wife and kid are in the Octagon,” White said. “It shouldn’t happen.
“I don’t give a s— if it was fun to watch or not. That shouldn’t happen. … It was a bad call by whoever the hell let them in there.”