“Forget Islam!” – Ilia vs Paddy unexpectedly becomes the biggest blockbuster of UFC 2025

Ilia Topuria once again delivered a masterclass performance at UFC 317, silencing any lingering doubts about his place atop the Lightweight division. In what was arguably one of the most dominant displays of the year, Topuria dismantled Charles Oliveira, a man long considered one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.

But what followed after the fight was even more shocking: an impromptu face-off with Paddy Pimblett, setting the stage for what could become the biggest UFC blockbuster of 2025.

Ilia Topuria Walks Through a Legend

Let’s not forget — Charles Oliveira is no pushover. He’s a former UFC Lightweight Champion, and his only recent blemishes were a submission loss to Islam Makhachev, the current pound-for-pound king, and a narrow split decision defeat to Arman Tsarukyan, one of the most technically gifted fighters in the world today.

Topuria, however, made him look pedestrian.

Within the first few exchanges, Topuria bloodied Oliveira with precise strikes. He effortlessly shrugged off takedown attempts, and then, in signature “El Matador” style, landed a picture-perfect counter right that sent shockwaves through the MMA world. This wasn’t just a win — it was a statement.

From Featherweight Phenom to Lightweight King

When Ilia Topuria moved up to 155 pounds, many wondered if his speed, power, and timing would translate. Those questions have now been answered with brutal finality. Topuria has not only carried his physical gifts into the new weight class — he’s sharpened them.

This wasn’t a sloppy brawler bullying his way through. This was a tactical demolition of a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and striking veteran. The scariest part? Topuria made it look easy.

The King Has Choices — But Chooses Paddy?

After a performance that should’ve solidified his position to call any shot he wants, most assumed the next logical step would be a showdown with Islam Makhachev — the reigning Lightweight champ and consensus No. 1 in the world. The MMA world began to salivate at the idea of a Topuria vs. Makhachev clash — a superfight that would pit two of the most dominant forces in the UFC against one another.

But then something unexpected happened.

Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett entered the octagon post-fight. The two exchanged heated words. Then came a shove. Suddenly, the Topuria-Makhachev dream had to wait — because the UFC just struck narrative gold.

Why Paddy Pimblett? Why Now?

Objectively speaking, Pimblett is not the most deserving contender. He’s talented, charismatic, and wildly popular, but he’s never faced anyone in the caliber of the division’s top five. Fighters like Justin Gaethje and Arman Tsarukyan have far stronger résumés, with Gaethje’s brutal KO of Dustin Poirier and Tsarukyan’s recent win streak marking them as logical next-in-line challengers.

Yet none of that matters.

This is the fight business, and Topuria vs. Pimblett is white-hot. Both fighters are young, undefeated in the UFC, and possess gigantic fanbases. There is real animosity between them, and that’s the kind of fuel that drives massive PPV numbers.

A Rivalry Years in the Making

This isn’t just a manufactured beef. The disdain between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett goes back years — to verbal spats, social media jabs, and even backstage altercations. Fans have followed the progression of their feud like a slow-burning fire, and now that it’s finally erupting into a potential main event, the world is watching.

Topuria, the proud Spaniard with Georgian roots, represents a precision striker with knockout power and elite grappling. Pimblett, the brash Liverpudlian, is a grappling-first fighter with incredible scrambles and unorthodox movement.

Their styles, personalities, and fanbases are polar opposites — and that makes for incredible storytelling.

The Other Contenders: Forgotten but Not Gone

Let’s not pretend fighters like Islam Makhachev, Justin Gaethje, and Arman Tsarukyan are out of the title picture. Each one presents a dangerous challenge to Topuria’s reign.

• Makhachev is eyeing a second belt at 170 pounds, which leaves the Lightweight belt in limbo.

• Gaethje has the resume and fan appeal, but his brutal KO loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300 did derail his momentum.

• Tsarukyan, perhaps the most deserving, was even the backup for UFC 317, but his lack of drawing power compared to Pimblett makes him an unfortunate victim of the sport’s marketing realities.

Pimblett, by contrast, brings a guaranteed sellout crowd, an endless stream of headlines, and an X-factor that analytics can’t measure: charisma.

A Title Shot Too Soon? Maybe — But It Works

Critics are already arguing that Paddy Pimblett’s title shot is undeserved. But in an era where marketability rivals meritocracy, this fight is not only defensible, it’s strategic. And honestly? It might not even be the mismatch people think.

Pimblett has quietly improved his striking, and his unorthodox movement could pose a different kind of challenge to Topuria. If he can survive the early onslaught and drag the fight into later rounds, he might make things interesting.

That said, Topuria is the heavy favorite — and for good reason. He’s faster, more powerful, and technically superior in nearly every aspect of the fight game.

The Spanish Dream: UFC’s First Event in Spain?

There’s a strong case to be made that UFC should host Topuria vs. Pimblett in Spain — ideally in Madrid or Barcelona. Topuria has long called for the UFC to bring an event to his adoptive homeland, and with him now as Lightweight champion, there’s never been a better time.

Imagine the scenes: 60,000 screaming fans, Spanish flags waving, and “El Matador” walking out to a sea of his countrymen in support.

It’s the kind of spectacle that cements legacies — and creates legends.

Final Thoughts: The Fight We Didn’t Expect, but Can’t Ignore

In a world where logic often gives way to emotion and entertainment, Topuria vs. Pimblett has become the fight we didn’t expect but can’t stop thinking about. It may not be the most deserving matchup on paper, but in the eyes of the fans, the media, and the UFC brass, it’s the right one.

Because sometimes, the best story wins — and right now, this is the best story in MMA.