Topuria Dismisses Pimblett as “Not on My Level” – Is He Right?

The UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria is not one to mince words, and his latest comments about lightweight fan-favorite Paddy Pimblett have set the MMA community ablaze. In a recent interview, Topuria boldly dismissed Pimblett, declaring that the popular English fighter is “not on my level.” While some fans view this as typical fight promotion, others see it as an honest assessment of the vast gap between the two fighters’ skill sets. The question remains: is Topuria right in brushing off Pimblett as unworthy of sharing the cage with him?

Ilia Topuria: The Rise of a Champion

Ilia Topuria, often called “El Matador,” has quickly risen through the ranks of the UFC featherweight division. Undefeated, technically sharp, and possessing devastating knockout power, Topuria has built a reputation as one of the most complete fighters on the roster. His dismantling of Alexander Volkanovski to claim the featherweight belt cemented his status as a new force in the division.

Topuria’s style is a blend of crisp boxing, brutal body shots, and elite grappling. Unlike many fighters who rely heavily on one discipline, Topuria has shown the ability to finish fights standing or on the ground. This well-roundedness makes his claim of being levels above Pimblett more than just talk—it has a basis in evidence.

Paddy Pimblett: The Showman with Potential

On the other side of the conversation is Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett, the charismatic Scouser who has taken the UFC by storm with his personality, flamboyance, and knack for drawing crowds. Pimblett has become one of the promotion’s most marketable fighters, thanks to his fan-friendly style and ability to sell a fight.

Inside the octagon, Pimblett has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with his grappling. His submission wins highlight his Brazilian jiu-jitsu background, and he has a knack for capitalizing on opponents’ mistakes. However, his striking remains a work in progress, and critics often point out defensive lapses that could prove disastrous against elite competition.

A Clash of Levels?

When Topuria says Pimblett is “not on my level,” he may not just be throwing shade. Looking at their respective résumés, the disparity is stark.

• Topuria has fought and beaten top-ranked fighters, including former champions and contenders, and now holds the featherweight title. His performances demonstrate composure, accuracy, and the ability to adapt to different fighting styles.

• Pimblett, while undefeated in the UFC so far, has yet to face a ranked opponent in the lightweight division. His victories, though exciting, have come with controversy—his decision win over Jared Gordon was widely criticized by fans and analysts, who believed Gordon had done enough to win.

For many, this makes Topuria’s comments ring true. Until Pimblett proves himself against higher-level competition, it’s hard to argue that he belongs in the same conversation as the champion.

Why Fans Love the Rivalry

Despite the apparent gap in skill, the idea of Topuria vs. Pimblett has long fascinated fans. The two fighters have a heated history, including backstage altercations and verbal barbs exchanged during UFC events. Their contrasting personalities—Topuria’s stoic, confident demeanor versus Pimblett’s loud, flamboyant character—make for an explosive rivalry.

From a promotional standpoint, a fight between the two would undoubtedly generate huge interest. Pimblett’s star power and Topuria’s legitimacy as a champion could make it a blockbuster event, even if the competitive balance is questioned.

Breaking Down a Hypothetical Matchup

If the UFC ever booked Topuria vs. Pimblett, how would the fight play out?

• Striking: This is where Topuria holds a massive advantage. His boxing is precise, powerful, and efficient. Pimblett, by contrast, often relies on wild exchanges and leaves openings defensively. Against Topuria, those openings could spell disaster.

• Grappling: Both fighters are skilled on the ground, but Topuria’s wrestling and control may be more suited for high-level MMA exchanges. Pimblett’s submissions are dangerous, but he would struggle to get Topuria into vulnerable positions.

• Fight IQ: Topuria has consistently shown the ability to stick to a game plan and adjust mid-fight, while Pimblett’s style is more chaotic. Over five rounds, discipline often trumps chaos.

On paper, the matchup looks heavily skewed toward Topuria, which validates his claim that Pimblett is not on his level.

Is Topuria Right?

From a competitive standpoint, yes—Ilia Topuria is right to dismiss Paddy Pimblett as not being on his level. Topuria is a reigning champion who has beaten the best in the world, while Pimblett is still climbing the ladder, untested against top-10 opponents. The difference in skill, résumé, and experience is clear.

However, in MMA, fights are not always about rankings or skill levels. They’re also about narratives, personalities, and fan interest. Pimblett’s ability to generate buzz could still earn him a fight with Topuria, even if the matchup looks lopsided on paper.

Conclusion

The rivalry between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett is as much about personality clashes as it is about fighting ability. While Topuria’s claim that Pimblett is “not on my level” is hard to dispute when analyzing their careers and skills, the fight world has a way of surprising us. Whether the UFC ever books the matchup remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: fans would tune in to watch, no matter the odds.

For now, Topuria will continue building his legacy as featherweight champion, while Pimblett faces the challenge of proving he belongs among the lightweight elite. If their paths do cross, it could be one of the UFC’s most electric rivalries—skill gap or not.