Tag: ilia topuria

Ahead of his UFC 282 co-main event clash with Jared Gordon this weekend, lightweight contender, Paddy Pimblett continues to add fuel to his rivalry with featherweight standout, Ilia Topuria – labelling the German-born contender a “mongrel” as well as criticizing his lack of English during their pre-fight press conference.

Pimblett, who so far has enjoyed a promotional-perfect stint with the UFC since his September debut inside the Octagon, most recently submitted Jordan Leavitt back in July at UFC London – landing a second round rear-naked choke success.

Earlier this year at UFC London in March, Topuria managed to stop Jai Herbert at the lightweight limit, securing a brutal second round one-punch knockout win on foreign soil.

Paddy Pimblett targets Ilia Topuria with flagrant insult ahead of UFC 282

However, prior to their respective victories at the March event, Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria shared a physical altercation during fight week at the London event, with the duo separated by security and UFC officials after a brief back-and-forth scuffle.

Sharing several war-of-words since across social media, Pimblett and Topuria both continued their rivalry at tonight’s pre-fight press conference ahead of UFC 282 – with Pimblett bringing up the latter’s country of birth, Germany, as well as labeling him a “mongrel” and critcizing his lack of English in spoken language.

Welcoming the opportunity to take part in another physical scuffle ahead of their separate Octagon walks this weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada – Pimblett and Topuria were corralled once again by UFC officials and security. 

Landing a pair of victories under the banner of the promotion before his July win over Leavitt, Liverpool native, Paddy Pimblett stopped the duo of Kazula Vargas, and Luigi Vendramini.

Boasting an impressive 12-0 undefeated record, Topuria has bested Youssef Zalal, Damon Jackson, Ryan Hall, and the aforenoted, Wolverhampton native, Herbert during his impressive Octagon tenure to date.

UFC 282 takes place this weekend in ‘Sin City’ with a vacant light heavyweight title fight between former champion, Jan Blachowicz, and surging Russian contender, Magomed Ankalaev set to take main event honors.

Ahead of their respective Octagon walks at UFC 282 next weekend, lightweight contender, Paddy Pimblett has claimed he will “snap” the chin of undefeated featherweight challenger, Ilia Topuria – if the German-born contender elects to confront him with his entourage again. 

Pimblett, who makes his fourth Octagon appearance next weekend at UFC 282, co-headlines the T-Mobile Arena card against Jared Gordon, in search of his fourth consecutive victory since his debut in the Octagon back in September of last year.

As for Topuria, the surging finisher returns to the featherweight limit against his fellow unbeaten, Bryce Mitchell, returning to the weight class following a brief excursion at lightweight against Jai Herbert back in March, which resulted in a brutal second round KO win for Topuria.

However, ahead of their respective Octagon walks in London on that occasion as well, Pimblett and Topuria engaged in a physical altercation at the fighter hotel during fight week, with members of both teams separating the duo as security corralled Topuria. 

Paddy Pimblett sends stark message to rival, Ilia Topuria

Commenting on the possibility of a redux altercation with Topuria next weekend in ‘Sin City’ – Paddy Pimblett revealed how he has organized to shack up outside of the fighter hotel at a different lodging, however, plans to “snap” the jaw of the featherweight should they meet.

“I’ve got myself a house,” Paddy Pimblett told BT Sport. “I don’t need to stay in a hotel with those mushrooms, that hand sanitizer boy [Ilia Topuria] and that – if I see him, lad, I’ll end up snapping his chin. So I’ll just stay away, lad, won’t get (in trouble) with NSAC (Nevada State Athletic Commission).” 

Claiming Pimblett had to be removed from the UFC Performance Institute via a back entrance upon his arrival at the Las Vegas facility, Topuria insisted he was no bully.

“When I arrived at the PI this morning, I had to wait until they got Paddy (Pimblett) out the backdoor,” Ilia Topuria said. “I am no bully, you don’t have to avoid me. You already apologized. I still don’t like you. As long as you behave yourself when you see me, I won’t give a f*ck about you.” (Transcribed by Mirror)