Major Paddy Pimblett advantage over Ilia Topuria uncovered as fight timeline emerges

UFC newcomer George Staines has told SPORTbible why Paddy Pimblett would beat Ilia Topuria if the pair eventually face each other.

Born in Hull, Staines stormed into the headlines last month after securing his UFC contract with an explosive 61-second victory over Loai Abushaar in Dana White's Contender Series.

"So it kind of only just hit me on Monday that I was in the UFC," he said when describing the surreal feeling to SPORTbible. "I'm a bit weird; I'll always get post-fight depression because you've gone from such a high to then this is life again. I just want to get back in the gym and train. But it's been a long journey, but like I say, it's been worth every single step."

A first Slam KO in DWCS history saw the 26-year-old extend his professional MMA record to 11 wins from as many fights, and he has since endured a whirlwind couple of weeks.

READ NEXT: UFC pound-for-pound rankings: The 15 best fighters in the world ranked by SPORTbible

George Staines says why Paddy Pimblett would beat Ilia Topuria

Staines went from winning one of the biggest fights of his career to opening One Piece cards at Steve Aoki's house in Las Vegas, and Paddy Pimblett was there to witness it all.

Fighting out of the Next Generation MMA gym in Liverpool, Staines has been the main training partner of the UFC lightweight and former CW featherweight world champion with his orthodox fighting style.

The pair have formed a close relationship outside of the Octagon, and Staines will no doubt be there to witness Paddy 'The Baddy's' next big fight in the UFC.

That is widely expected to be against Ilia Topuria, who suffered the first defeat of his professional career against Justin Gaethje in June's White House card.

Pimblett has a bitter rivalry with Topuria and, if the pair do eventually clash - potentially at the start of 2027 - Staines believes his close friend will have the mental advantage over his opponent after his shock fourth-round defeat to Gaethje.

"I think Paddy [Pimblett] would win. We've seen [Justin] Gaethje break Ilja [Topuria]. Gaethje could not break Paddy," Staines said.

“Ilja is probably the most mentally weakest he'll ever be, and Paddy will get under his skin so easily. Paddy was already getting under his skin after the Gaethje fight. How easy is it going to be now? Now is probably the best time to fight him. I reckon Paddy puts a beating on him, to be fair.”

Pimblett last competed at UFC 329 in July, defeating Benoit Saint-Denis by submission in the opening round, and has indicated he could make his next appearance in March or April.

READ NEXT: Michael Bisping makes extreme intervention after son brutally knocked out in amateur MMA fight

How Paddy Pimblett and Luke Riley are looking in training

Staines has the pleasure of training alongside the Liverpudlian at the Next Generation gym, as well as other top fighters, including Luke Riley.

The undefeated British featherweight signed his UFC contract in August 2025 after recording an 11-0 record in Cage Warriors.

Riley has already secured three victories in the UFC and is eyeing a December clash against Tommy McMillen in Las Vegas.

When asked about how they are looking in training, Staines said: "Paddy's looking big. They're both looking boss. Paddy's grappling is just phenomenal as always. His striking's getting much better as well."

"It's kind of the opposite with Luke [Riley]. Luke's sharp as ever, and his grappling's getting so much better as well. They're completely opposite spectrums. I like to think I'm in the middle.

“My striking's pretty good and my grappling's pretty good. I know I'm a bit more of a grappler, but I feel like I'm maybe 60-40, whereas obviously Luke's more of a striker, less of a grappler. Paddy's a grappler, less of a striker. Their weaker areas are getting so much stronger.”

Staines hopes to make his official UFC debut with a fight before the end of 2026 in the United Arab Emirates or in Las Vegas.