Paddy Pimblett explains how to defeat Ilia Topuria: Playing Boxing is foolish
In a sport fueled by confidence, controversy, and calculated chaos, Paddy Pimblett has never been short of any of them. His brash interviews, flashy walkouts, and brawling fighting style have divided fans and analysts alike. But after a thunderous and unexpected knockout victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314, the Englishman’s name is no longer whispered with skepticism. It’s shouted in discussions of title contention. And Paddy has already called his shot.
“I know I’m going to beat him. People laugh when I say it, but I know I will,” Pimblett declared. “We’ve already discussed the strategy to take him down, and I know exactly how to do it.”
The “him” in question? None other than undefeated UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, a cold technician with brutal finishing power and a rising legacy as one of the most complete fighters in modern MMA.
It’s a claim that sparked raised eyebrows and a few chuckles in press rooms around the world. But as fans dig deeper, Pimblett’s bravado may not be as outrageous as it seems.
The Baddy’s Meteoric Rise
Pimblett debuted in the UFC in 2021, already a cult figure in European MMA thanks to his exploits in Cage Warriors. Critics dismissed him early as a social media sensation whose real talents might not stack up to the lightweight elite. But fight after fight, Paddy Pimblett has proved he belongs.
Now standing on a 7-0 UFC record, with victories via knockout, submission, and decision, the Liverpool native has evolved. His timing, cardio, and fight IQ have improved significantly—and his self-belief has only grown.
What sets Pimblett apart isn’t perfection—it’s unpredictability. He’s a scrambler who thrives in the chaos. He smiles when others grimace. He mocks when others panic. Against Chandler, he fought with poise and ruthlessness, landing a vicious knee that left the veteran out cold and the crowd in stunned silence.
Topuria: The Unshakable Titan
On the other end stands Ilia Topuria—arguably the most composed, technical, and dominant force to break through in the last five years. With victories over names like Josh Emmett, Bryce Mitchell, and the legendary Alexander Volkanovski, Topuria has built a resume most fighters would kill for.
His striking is precise. His takedown defense is ironclad. His ground control is suffocating. In every aspect of the game, he’s efficient and deadly.
Most of all, Topuria fights with the cold efficiency of someone who’s already seen the end—and engineered it.
Different From the Rest: Why Pimblett Believes He Has the Key
What makes Pimblett’s declaration intriguing isn’t the words—it’s the plan behind them.
“Everyone tries to box him. I’m not going in there to box. I’m going to use my entire MMA arsenal,” Pimblett emphasized. “I think I’ll really hurt him and shut the doubters up.”
He’s not wrong. Fighters like Emmett and Volkanovski engaged Topuria in measured striking exchanges, trying to out-technique the technician. And they paid the price.
Pimblett, however, thrives in unorthodox exchanges. He rolls through scrambles, throws wild overhands, and looks to create mayhem. Against a man like Topuria, who craves control, that chaos could become a weapon.
A Rivalry Fueled by History
This isn’t just a battle for the belt. There’s bad blood.
In 2022, when both fighters were still climbing the rankings, Pimblett and Topuria nearly brawled in a London hotel lobby. The cause? A few choice words from Pimblett aimed at Topuria’s nationality, which led to Topuria aggressively confronting him.
Security intervened. No punches were thrown. But ever since that moment, the fire has been smoldering.
Topuria hasn’t forgotten. In multiple interviews, he’s labeled Pimblett as a “fake,” a “coward,” and someone who “wouldn’t last one round with me.”
Pimblett’s response? A cheeky grin. And now, a burning desire to prove his words.
Skill vs. Chaos: Who Breaks First?
A showdown between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett wouldn’t just be a title bout—it would be a clash of styles, egos, and philosophies.
Topuria fights like a sniper. Pimblett brawls like a barroom warrior with elite-level tools.
Topuria’s calm demeanor is his weapon. Pimblett’s unpredictability is his shield. One plans every step. The other creates on the fly.
This matchup wouldn’t be about who is more skilled in a vacuum—it would be about who can drag the other into their type of fight.
Paddy’s Advantages
Pimblett may not have Topuria’s polished striking or his ground dominance, but he brings three key attributes that make this potential fight far more interesting:
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Cardio and Recovery: Pimblett has shown time and again that he can recover from early adversity and rally late. His gas tank, paired with resilience, makes him a nightmare to put away.
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Mental Toughness: He thrives under pressure. From media storms to boos from hostile crowds, he never wavers.
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Versatility: His Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, clinch game, and scrambling ability make him difficult to control.
The Fans Are Ready – Is the UFC?
In the current UFC landscape, narrative sells—and few fights have more built-in tension, personality, and stylistic intrigue than Topuria vs. Pimblett.
Pimblett is climbing the ladder fast. With his post-UFC 314 ranking boost, he’s just a win or two away from title contention. Topuria, set to defend his belt at UFC 317, could find himself without fresh challengers if he steamrolls the division again.
Matchmakers are watching. Fans are demanding. And Pimblett is poking the bear.
A Fighter Who Doesn’t Fear the Moment
One thing’s for sure: Pimblett isn’t afraid.
He’s not afraid of Topuria’s record. Not afraid of the doubters. Not afraid of what people think he can’t do.
And that, in itself, is powerful.
As he said after UFC 314:
“I don’t care who’s in front of me. You put me in there, and I’m going to fight like hell. I respect Topuria’s skill, but I’ve got the heart to match it.”
Final Thoughts: Prediction or Premonition?
In the chaotic, dramatic world of UFC, bold declarations often fade under the bright lights of reality. But sometimes, they’re more than talk. Sometimes, they’re a fighter’s truth.
Paddy Pimblett believes he has the formula to defeat Ilia Topuria. And whether the world laughs or listens, he’s not backing down.
In the Octagon, confidence can be a weapon. But at UFC 319 or beyond, one question will finally be answered:
Can chaos finally catch the king?
