Paddy Pimblett verbally dismantles Ilia Topuria after UFC White House defeat

Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett wasted no time in goading his long-time rival Ilia Topuria after “El Matador” suffered a brutal defeat to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.

Undisputed lightweight champion Topuria defended his crown against interim champion Gaethje at The White House on Sunday (June 14), with the American pulling off what commentator Joe Rogan described as “one of the biggest upsets in the history of sport” in front of 4,300 fans, including US President Donald Trump, who accompanied Dana White cageside.

The Spanish-Georgian struggled to deal with the relentless pressure coming from his opponent, with his face appearing battered, bruised and bloodied after receiving a strong combination to the head during the third round of the contest.

Doctors then assessed the 29-year-old’s condition between the third and fourth rounds before the bout continued.

Then, despite some members of his corner urging him to continue, Topuria was no longer able to continue after the fourth round, sparking jubilant celebrations from his opponent, who climbed onto the Octagon before backflipping onto the canvas.

READ MORE: Ilia Topuria looks unrecognisable after suffering brutal facial injuries vs Justin Gaethje

The defeat was the first of Topuria’s career, with the fighter sporting a record of 17-0 before his loss.

Speaking after the fight, White revealed that Topuria may have suffered a “broken orbital bone” during the contest, with the fighter taken to hospital.

“We literally had him get out of the Octagon before the hand was even raised and sent him to the hospital,” White said at the UFC White House post-fight press conference.

“Ilia’s in the hospital. He’s busted up. I’m not a doctor, but his eye looked like he probably has a broken orbital. I don’t know that. That’s not a fact. I’m just assuming.

“My plans are for him to go home and rest and recover. Take his time and tonight was a rough night for him. I just want to make sure he’s healthy and good and not even thinking about him fighting again. I just want him to go home and relax and rest and heal.”

Pimblett tears into Topuria after White House defeat

And despite White appearing concerned for the fighter’s health, this did not stop his lightweight rival Pimblett from mocking Topuria on social media.

The Liverpudlian wrote: “The only thing you had to do was beat a 38-year-old coming off a five-round war with me… instead you quit on your stool like the little bitch you are 🤣 I’m a real fighter and went five rounds. You’re a little pretender, chorizo! Congratulations @Justin_Gaethje, rematch for undisputed? 👀”

Of course, Topuria and Pimblett have been rivals for several years, with their feud dating to 2021 after the Englishman made unsavoury remarks about Georgians on social media.

Then, in 2022, the pair became embroiled in a confrontation at a London hotel. Topuria approached Pimblett, who was standing behind a table, before verbals were exchanged.

“The Baddy” then threw a bottle of hand sanitiser at Topuria’s head before “El Matador” attempted to attack him.

Several team members then got between the pair while they continued to trade verbal insults.

Despite rumours of the pair facing off in the Octagon since then, they have yet to fight. However, Pimblett has faced Gaethje, losing by decision at UFC 324 back in January.

The Scouser returns to action against Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 329 on July 12.