Paddy 'The Baddy' Pimblett has named the three UFC fighters he hates most in an exclusive interview with SPORTbible.
Pimblett, 30, is currently on track for a UFC lightweight title shot, having won all seven of his fights in the promotion since he arrived in September 2021.
And aside from his performances in the octagon, the Liverpudlian has seen his popularity rise outside of the ring both in the UK and the US.
It is not clear who the 30-year-old will fight next, but he has been fairly vocal about wanting a bout with Ilia Topuria, who is due to fight Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 on June 29.
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The pair’s feud dates back to a social media exchange several years ago, which resulted in the duo almost coming to blows at the fighter hotel ahead of UFC London in March 2022.
“Honestly, if I could choose a fight, I would fight him because I hate him,” Topuria told ESPN Deportes last week.
"He's a pain in the ass. I'd love to give that fight to the fans, because for a long time, I believe that in the UFC, you haven't seen a real fight. Two people who really want to fight each other, and what better way than to fight in front of everyone and put on a show? I know what's going to happen, and it won't be good for him."
And, almost obviously, when Pimblett spoke to SPORTbible on behalf of casino.org, he explained how he hated Topuria, 28, alongside two other UFC fighters.
"I definitely hate Ilia the most; he's a b****nd and a liar,” said Pimblett.
"He puts words in my mouth and tells people that I've said certain things in interviews that I've never said.
"He's trying to get people to hate me. It's funny, because they still don't hate me, despite everything he's trying to do.
"I'd put Colby Covington second on that list. He's a piece of s***."
Covington, 37, and Pimblett became embroiled in a confrontation backstage at UFC 314, shortly after the Liverpudlian fighter's win over Michael Chandler.
"I get on with most people on the roster, everyone else is cool," the Scouser added. "We're all fighters, we don't take most stuff personally.
"If there's a third on the list, it would be Mateusz Gamrot. He's a tit as well, he talks a lot of shit."
Gamrot, 34, previously explained why he "doesn't like" Pimblett during an interview with Ariel Helwani in May.
"I don't like this guy," Gamrot explained. "He's talked too much. He's arrogant from England. He has talked things about me many times.
"I'd love meet him in the octagon because his way to this position was so easy... I'd love fight with him. He's from Europe. I am from Europe. He's great stylistic matchup for me. I'll beat him for sure. He's a grappler. I am grappler. I don't think if he gets a good opponent he would win."
Topics: Colby Covington, MMA, Paddy Pimblett, UFC, Spotlight
Luke Davies