Pimblett Explodes? Calling the Ilia Topuria fight the biggest UFC fight at this time.

With the legendary Jon Jones officially retired, the UFC is entering a new era. A vacuum has opened at the top of the promotional landscape — and now, Paddy Pimblett believes he’s the man to fill it, with Ilia Topuria as the perfect dance partner for a blockbuster clash.

In an interview with One on One MMA, Pimblett boldly claimed that a fight between him and Topuria is the biggest fight the UFC can make right now. It’s a statement that raised eyebrows across the MMA world, but given the current state of star power in the promotion, he might be onto something.

“Now that Jon Jones is retired, I think the biggest fight the UFC can make is me vs. Ilia. It wouldn’t surprise me if I got the belt in 6 to 12 months,” Pimblett said.

Ilia Topuria: The Undefeated Double Champion

Before we dive into Pimblett’s bold ambition, it’s important to understand who Ilia Topuria is — and why he’s becoming one of the biggest stars in MMA today.

Ilia “El Matador” Topuria is still undefeated. He holds championships in two weight classes, and his resume already includes legendary scalps such as Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. With a style that combines ruthless finishing ability and tactical precision, Topuria has quickly become a must-watch figure.

Topuria also has massive international support, particularly from Spain and Georgia, the two nations he proudly represents. Every time he steps into the cage, legions of fans fill arenas and flood social media. In an era where building a global following is as important as championship gold, Topuria checks every box.

He’s not just a dominant fighter — he’s a star.

Paddy Pimblett: More Than Just Hype?

On the other side of the cage stands Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett, one of the most polarizing figures in MMA today. Love him or hate him, you can’t ignore him. With his unmistakable mop of blonde curls, Liverpudlian swagger, and a tongue sharper than any elbow, Pimblett brings something few can: attention.

Despite not yet cracking the top ranks of the lightweight division, Pimblett remains one of the most talked-about names in the UFC. He has a massive UK fanbase, viral post-fight interviews, and a personality built for promotion. To put it simply, he draws eyeballs.

He also has an undefeated record in the UFC so far, though critics argue he has yet to be tested by elite-level opposition. Even so, his name brings buzz, and his confidence is unwavering.

A Face-Off That Lit Up the Internet

Following UFC 317, fans were treated to an electric moment: Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett had a brief but intense face-off backstage. It didn’t take long for the video to go viral. Two of the UFC’s fastest-rising stars, staring each other down, hinting at a potential showdown? Fans were instantly captivated.

The face-off reignited a feud that dates back years. Topuria and Pimblett have exchanged barbs before — including an infamous scuffle at a hotel in London. The tension has been simmering ever since, and now, with both fighters enjoying massive momentum, it’s starting to boil over.

Dana White Pumps the Brakes… For Now

While the MMA community buzzes with speculation, UFC President Dana White has tempered expectations. After UFC 318, White addressed the rumors and clarified that a fight between Pimblett and Topuria isn’t happening just yet.

Instead, White suggested that a rematch between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway is more likely for the immediate future. Holloway, fresh off his BMF title defense and now ranked fourth in the lightweight division, remains one of the most exciting and respected fighters on the roster.

“Max is in a great spot,” White said. “A rematch with Topuria? That’s very possible.”

While fans may have to wait for Pimblett vs. Topuria, the seeds have clearly been planted.

Why Pimblett vs. Topuria Is So Marketable

So what makes Pimblett vs. Topuria such a compelling matchup — even more than Holloway or other top-ranked fighters?

1. Contrasting Personalities

Topuria is a quiet assassin. He speaks with action and backs up every word with flawless technique.

Pimblett, on the other hand, is a walking headline machine. His post-fight interviews go viral, his antics draw massive attention, and his confidence borders on delusional — in the best way.

Put them together, and you have the classic formula for a pay-per-view blockbuster: the entertainer vs. the executioner.

2. Cultural Reach

Topuria brings in fans from Spain and Georgia. Pimblett represents the UK’s scouse pride. The fight would unite massive international audiences — a dream for UFC’s global marketing.

3. Redemption Storylines

If Pimblett continues winning and Topuria remains unbeaten, the stakes will only grow. It could become a clash of undefeated fighters, or a redemption arc if one stumbles beforehand.

The McGregor Effect

Many see Pimblett as the UFC’s best shot at recreating the Conor McGregor phenomenon. He has the trash talk, the charm, the national support, and the ability to make even mundane matchups feel like world title bouts.

Pairing him with a stone-cold finisher like Topuria mirrors the narrative of McGregor vs. Khabib. And while Pimblett has a long way to go to match McGregor’s accomplishments, his promotional ability is undeniable.

The UFC may not be ready to make the fight yet, but rest assured: they’re watching closely.

What Needs to Happen Next

For this superfight to become a reality, a few things need to align:

• Pimblett must beat a top contender. He needs a signature win against a ranked opponent to legitimize the callout.

• Topuria needs to stay undefeated. Whether it’s a Holloway rematch or another challenge, he must maintain his aura of invincibility.

• Timing must be right. The UFC is all about moments. If both men win their next fights and the tension continues building, the stage will be set.

Final Thoughts: Is It the UFC’s Biggest Fight?

Right now, Paddy Pimblett vs. Ilia Topuria might not be the most logical matchup based on rankings. But logic doesn’t always drive matchmaking in the UFC — money and momentum do.

And in terms of spectacle, stakes, and storytelling, few fights come close.

With Jon Jones stepping away from the sport, the UFC is desperately looking for new superstars to carry the torch. In Pimblett and Topuria, they may have found the next era’s headline act.

The only question left is: when will it happen?