UFC Shakes Up: Topuria Drops Bombshell Right Before Superfight with Pimblett

Just days before his highly anticipated clash with Paddy Pimblett, Ilia Topuria has thrown the UFC world into a frenzy by dropping a stunning bombshell—and it’s got fans, fighters, and media scrambling for answers.

The undefeated Spanish-Georgian phenom, who recently claimed the UFC Featherweight Championship, was already making headlines for stepping up to fight fan-favorite Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett in a rare non-title superfight at lightweight. But in a surprise press conference ahead of the bout, Topuria took center stage and announced something that could redefine his career—and possibly the entire UFC landscape.

Topuria’s Bombshell: “I’m Done With Featherweight”

In front of a packed media room in Las Vegas, Topuria stunned everyone with a short but seismic statement:

“This will be my last fight as a featherweight champion. After Paddy, I’m moving up to lightweight permanently. There’s nothing left for me at 145. I want to make history at 155.”

With those words, Topuria effectively vacated his featherweight dominance—not officially (yet), but symbolically. It marks the end of an era and the beginning of a bold new chapter.

Many saw the writing on the wall. Topuria has been bulking up, training with bigger sparring partners, and showing visible signs of outgrowing the 145-pound division. Even this superfight with Pimblett—scheduled at lightweight—was a hint. But now it’s confirmed: Topuria is ready to chase a second world title.

Implications: A New Lightweight Contender Enters the Race

The lightweight division, already stacked with names like Islam Makhachev, Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, and Mateusz Gamrot, just got a new predator.

Topuria’s announcement immediately ignited chatter about potential matchups:

• Could a win over Pimblett fast-track him into a lightweight title eliminator?

• Is he targeting Islam Makhachev and a shot at double-champ status?

• Will the UFC strip him of the featherweight title or allow him to defend it one last time?

Dana White was quick to respond:

“We’ll see how the fight goes. Ilia’s earned the right to make moves. If he wins on Saturday, we’ll have big decisions to make.”

Why This Fight Just Got Even Bigger

The superfight between Topuria and Pimblett was already drawing massive attention—Topuria as the unbeaten champion, Pimblett as the brash showman with an army of supporters.

But now? The fight carries even more narrative weight:

• For Topuria, it’s not just another victory—it’s the beginning of his reign in a new division. If he can crush Pimblett at 155, it sends a chilling message to the rest of the division: The king is coming.

• For Pimblett, the stakes have never been higher. A win over the newly crowned featherweight king—who’s now a lightweight contender—would be career-defining and catapult him into the top 10.

And if Pimblett wins? He becomes the man who stopped Topuria’s meteoric rise. No one could call him “unproven” again.

Reactions Across the UFC

Fighters and analysts wasted no time chiming in:

• Michael Bisping: “Ilia’s got the power and technique to be a problem at 155. This isn’t just a move up. This is a takeover.”

• Daniel Cormier: “He’s clearly been preparing for this. And he’s doing it the right way—fighting someone with a name, proving he belongs. But lightweight is a jungle.”

• Arman Tsarukyan, the current #1 contender, posted a cryptic emoji on X: 👀—clearly aware that his road to the title might soon run into Topuria.

What Happens to the Featherweight Belt?

With Topuria unofficially signaling his departure from the featherweight division, the obvious next question is: What happens to the 145-pound strap?

The UFC has a few options:

1. Interim Title Fight: If Topuria stays inactive at featherweight, the promotion may introduce an interim title involving contenders like Movsar Evloev, Arnold Allen, or Aljamain Sterling, who recently moved up to 145.

2. Stripping the Title: If Topuria makes it official and vacates post-fight, the title could be up for grabs outright. Dana White said the UFC “isn’t rushing,” but expects clarity after Saturday’s event.

3. One Last Defense?: If Topuria wins and changes his mind, he could potentially defend the belt one final time before officially transitioning—though based on his tone, that seems unlikely.

Topuria Speaks: “I Want to Be a Legend”

In a post-conference interview, Topuria elaborated on his decision:

“I’ve cleaned out featherweight. I’ve beaten the best. Now I want legacy. I want to become the greatest Spanish fighter of all time—and to do that, I need to conquer 155.”

“I’m not afraid of size. I’m not afraid of anyone. Give me Islam. Give me Arman. I’m ready for all of them.”

Pimblett Responds: “That’s Cute”

Paddy Pimblett, never one to back down from a war of words, quickly mocked Topuria’s announcement:

“That’s cute. So he’s already planning what he’ll do after I smash him? Good luck with that, lad.”

Pimblett, who has faced his own wave of criticism for perceived lack of elite opponents, knows a win here would be a career-altering upset. And now, with Topuria planting his flag at lightweight, it only raises the tension.

Final Thoughts: The Stakes Just Got Personal

Saturday’s clash between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett was already billed as a superfight. But with Topuria’s announcement, it now feels like the beginning of a new era in the UFC.

One man looking to expand his legacy into a second division. The other desperate to finally prove he’s more than just hype.

The Octagon is set. The world will be watching.

And the lightweight division? It just got its biggest wake-up call yet.