Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Paddy Pimblett, UFC, MMA, Justin Gaethje, Dana White
Luke Davies
Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett has issued a message to long-term rival Ilia Topuria after the UFC lightweight champion announced he would be taking a break from MMA amid an ongoing investigation into him allegedly being blackmailed.
Topuria, who has held both the UFC Featherweight Championship and UFC Lightweight Championship, announced on Monday (December 15) that he would be taking a ‘step away’ from the sport for at least the first half of 2026 due to ongoing issues in his personal life.
He will remain the lightweight champion while he deals with the matter.
In a statement, the fighter explained how he has been subjected to “severe and unacceptable” pressure, including alleged threats to “disseminate false allegations of domestic abuse unless financial demands were met”.
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The Germany-born 28-year-old claims the allegations are “entirely unfounded” before continuing to explain that evidence has been preserved, including audio recordings, written communications, video material and witness statements. All of which have been submitted to the relevant authorities.
Topuria also said he will not comment any further on the matter.
As a result of Topuria’s inactivity, his long-time rival Pimblett will fight Justin Gaethje for the Interim UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 324 on January 24 2025.
Of course, the Liverpudlian and Topuria have had multiple verbal back-and-forths and almost became embroiled in a physical altercation in London back in 2022.
The pair traded words on X before and after the incident. Pimblett threw a bottle of hand sanitiser at Topuria, who then threw a punch, which did not land in response.
Since then, the pair have been linked with a potential bout, although this has yet to materialise.
However, UFC president Dana White has promised that the winner of Pimblett versus Gaethje will fight for the undisputed belt next.
Despite Topuria being out of action for the foreseeable future, this didn’t stop Pimblett speaking about the 28-year-old during an interview with ESPN Deportes.
“He’s got a lot going on in his personal life," Pimblett said.
“I wish him nothing but the best with it. That’s nothing to do with me and him fighting.
"That’s his family, and I hope everything goes well. I hope that goes perfectly for him.
“All I care about is getting him in that octagon and fighting him. Anything in his personal life, I hope it goes well, but you never know.
“If he doesn’t come back by June, July, he might have to vacate his belt, and I’ll become undisputed champ without even fighting.”
Pimblett is currently unbeaten in the UFC and defeated Michael Chandler by knockout last time out in April of 2025.
The Liverpudlian has also beaten UFC legend Tony Ferguson and King Green during his seven-fight winning streak.