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Topics: Paddy Pimblett, Justin Gaethje, UFC, UFC News
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Paddy Pimblett, Justin Gaethje, UFC, UFC News
UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has reacted to Paddy Pimblett's unanimous decision defeat to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324.
Pimblett's nine-fight unbeaten streak came to an end on Saturday night, with all three judges in Las Vegas scoring the bout in Gaethje's favour (49-46, 49-46, 48-47).
As a result of his latest win, Gaethje claimed the interim lightweight title for the second time, meaning he will face champion Ilia Topuria once he returns from resolving a "difficult moment" in his life.
Topuria, who hasn't fought since claiming the UFC lightweight title against Charles Oliveira in June last year, believes Gaethje is "screwed no matter what" when they eventually meet in the Octagon.
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The 29-year-old also had a message for Paddy Pimblett following this weekend's main event. Over the past year, Topuria and Pimblett have butted heads on numerous occasions, with the latter claiming his rival is ducking him.
“All Ilia has ever done is talk s—t about me, saying I’m s—t, saying I don’t deserve to fight him,” Pimblett said on his YouTube channel in November.
“After his last fight, I got in the cage and he pushes me, think it’s happening. He’s not saying yes to the fight. He’s stalling. If I’m not s—t lad, why not just take an easy fight and beat me then? Step up, as Tyson says, sign the contract, big boy.”
Recently, Topuria took many by surprise when he praised Pimblett.
“I always said he looked like someone who’s a super entertaining guy who did a superb job,” he said of the Liverpudlian.
“He had his slips with a tweet that he made about Georgia. But I think we all learn from our mistakes. Deep down, I notice that he is a person who understands family problems, personal problems, and respects it.
Topuria added: “What will happen in the octagon is something that really excites everyone. At the end of the day, we are professionals, and we’ll have a professional match.”
But on Saturday night, the lightweight champion ripped into Pimblett following his defeat to Gaethje.
"Little sausage, the only thing you had to do was beat a 38 year old guy," he wrote on X. "You just lost the biggest paycheck of your life. You were going to get rich if you won. Justin, all I can say is congratulations… and I’d like to tell you to get ready, but you’re screwed no matter what."
Much like the current champion, lightweight contender Tsarukyan has exchanged unpleasantries with Pimblett on numerous occasions in recent times.
Taking to X after his loss to Gaethje, the Armenian did not mince his words. "That’s what happens when you’re gifted opportunities and pushed up the rankings artificially, a completely undeserved title shot for Paddy," he said.
"Congratulations to Justin. He showed real heart, and unlike others, he’ll step up and take the fight with me. Respect."