Ilia Topuria Challenges Both Makhachev and Paddy in One Night: ‘Round 1 Makhachev, Round 2 Paddy!’

UFC’s lightweight division just got hit with one of the boldest challenges in recent memory. Ilia Topuria, the newly crowned lightweight champion, stunned the MMA world when he called out both Islam Makhachev and Paddy Pimblett — for the same night!

Speaking in an interview before UFC Spain, Topuria made his intentions crystal clear: “If it were up to me, we’d have UFC Spain next Saturday. Makhachev in the first round, and Paddy in the second.” His words sent shockwaves through the fight community, leaving fans and fighters alike wondering whether Topuria is serious or simply making headlines.

A Champion With No Fear

Topuria’s rise to the top has been nothing short of meteoric. After demolishing Charles Oliveira by first-round KO, he solidified his place as the new king of the lightweight division. But Topuria isn’t content with just holding the belt — he wants to prove he’s on a completely different level.

By naming two of the division’s most popular (and polarizing) figures in one breath, Topuria is making a statement that he’s willing to take on all comers — and take them out back-to-back.

Islam Makhachev: The Reigning Force

The mention of Islam Makhachev is no surprise. Widely regarded as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC, Makhachev has dominated the lightweight division with his grappling-heavy style, steamrolling through elite competition like Dustin Poirier and Alexander Volkanovski.

A clash between Topuria and Makhachev has been anticipated since the Spaniard captured the title, and many believe it’s the logical next step. But Topuria’s bold claim — that he’d dispatch Makhachev in the first round — is raising eyebrows.

Paddy Pimblett: The People’s Star, But Title-Worthy?

Then there’s Paddy Pimblett, the fan-favorite from Liverpool whose charisma has earned him headlines, but whose fight record in the UFC is still developing. Pimblett has been criticized for not facing top-tier competition, yet his popularity remains sky-high.

For Topuria to mention Pimblett in the same sentence as Makhachev is bold. Critics argue Paddy isn’t ready for a title shot, but Topuria’s disdain for him seems to go beyond rankings — it’s personal.

The Bad Blood Between Topuria and Pimblett

The animosity between Topuria and Pimblett dates back to a 2022 hotel altercation during UFC London week. Words were exchanged, and the situation almost turned physical before security intervened.

Since then, they’ve traded insults on social media, with Topuria calling Pimblett a “clown” and “fake fighter,” while Paddy dismissed Topuria as irrelevant.

Topuria’s plan to take out Pimblett in round two, immediately after dispatching Makhachev, seems as much about sending a message as it is about defending his title.

A UFC Spain Event?

Topuria has long campaigned for a UFC event in Spain, and with his growing star power, that dream may soon be a reality. He is the first Spanish UFC champion, and his popularity in his home country has exploded.

A Topuria vs. Makhachev main event in Spain would draw massive attention across Europe, with the possibility of Pimblett being a co-headliner — or in Topuria’s dream scenario, a same-night double feature.

Can the UFC Even Allow Back-to-Back Fights?

While Topuria’s bravado fires up fans, from a regulatory standpoint, it’s unlikely he’d be sanctioned to fight two opponents in one night. Modern MMA safety protocols require fighters to be medically cleared after each bout, and commissions would likely block a double-header fight card.

However, the UFC has staged tournaments and same-night competitions in its early days, and the concept of Topuria “fighting twice” in spirit — by challenging both men publicly — has reignited the imagination of fight fans.

Dana White Reacts: Would He Entertain This?

UFC CEO Dana White has not officially commented on Topuria’s wild challenge. Historically, White has dismissed similar ideas as fantasy. However, he’s also a promoter who knows the value of a headline-grabbing soundbite.

With the UFC exploring new markets and potential stadium shows in Spain, Topuria’s double challenge could fuel marketing campaigns — even if it never actually happens.

Makhachev and Pimblett Respond

Neither Makhachev nor Pimblett have remained silent:

• Makhachev, in a subtle jab, tweeted: “Talk is cheap. Send contract.” The Dagestani champion rarely engages in trash talk but clearly sees Topuria as his next target.

• Pimblett, true to form, laughed off the comments, posting on Instagram: “Mate, you couldn’t finish your dinner, never mind finish me after Islam.”

The trash talk is heating up, and fans are salivating over the possibility of these fights happening — even if not on the same night.

Ilia Topuria’s Confidence: Earned or Arrogant?

Some critics accuse Topuria of arrogance, claiming he should focus on one fight at a time. But others say this swagger is what the sport needs — a champion willing to put his reputation on the line.

Topuria’s confidence is rooted in his devastating striking and well-rounded game. His undefeated record, highlighted by finishes over Charles Oliveira, Josh Emmett, and Bryce Mitchell, proves he’s a serious threat.

But can even a champion of Topuria’s caliber deal with Makhachev’s suffocating wrestling and then turn around to handle Paddy’s unpredictable striking and ground game?

What’s Next? Likely Makhachev First

Realistically, the UFC will probably book Topuria vs. Makhachev first. It’s the fight that makes sense for the division and the fans.

If Topuria gets past Makhachev, the narrative of facing Pimblett as his next defense could gather steam — especially if the UFC stages a stadium show in Europe.

Could a Tournament-Style Night Ever Happen Again?

Though modern MMA rarely sees tournaments, some fans are calling for a special event: a one-night, three-man lightweight gauntlet where the champion faces two challengers. While unlikely, such spectacle could attract new audiences, similar to the early days of the UFC.

A Spain stadium show featuring Topuria, Makhachev, and Pimblett — even on separate fights — would be one of the biggest European UFC events ever.

Topuria’s Legacy Play

Ilia Topuria is clearly not just defending a belt — he’s building a legacy. By calling out two of the biggest names in his division, he’s putting himself on a collision course with greatness… or disaster.

If he beats Makhachev, he’ll be praised as a generational talent. If he finishes Paddy on top of that, his legend will be cemented.

But if he falls, especially to Makhachev, the critics will remind him that “talk is cheap.”

Fan Reactions: Hype or Madness?

Social media exploded after Topuria’s double challenge. Fans posted comments like:

• “This is what a champ sounds like. Fearless.”

• “Topuria’s talking like Conor but fighting like prime Aldo. Let’s see if he can back it up.”

• “Makhachev alone is enough. Don’t get greedy, Ilia.”

• “Please Dana, book UFC Spain. This would be insane.”

The excitement is undeniable. Whether this is pure hype or the start of something historic, Ilia Topuria has captured the spotlight once again.

Final Thoughts: Will Ilia Topuria Get His Dream Night?

In a sport where fighters often play it safe, Ilia Topuria is swinging for the fences. He’s calling his shot — twice in one night.

Will the UFC grant him his wish? Will Makhachev silence him, or will Topuria shock the world again? And could Paddy Pimblett finally step up for the grudge match the fans have waited years for?

One thing’s for sure: the lightweight division just got a lot more exciting.