UFC lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett has shared his thoughts on Ilia Topuria’s recent move up to the lightweight division, expressing skepticism about the Georgian’s decision to compete in the 155-pound weight class.
“He’s a midget lad, he’s not a lightweight,” Pimblett stated to Round Eight Boxing. “He shouldn’t be fighting at lightweight, he should have stuck at featherweight, and it’s going to be the downfall of his career.”
Pimblett, known for his outspoken personality, didn’t hold back in his assessment of Topuria, who recently claimed the UFC featherweight championship. The Liverpool native suggested that Topuria’s decision to move up in weight was motivated by avoiding certain challenges in the featherweight division.
“He knew Volk would give him a very tough test,” Pimblett explained. “Saying he cemented his legacy at the weight, like, slow the bullshit. Beat Volk again, beat Lopez, beat Evloev, then you cleared the division out, yeah, then move up.”
The British fighter also criticized the current trend of champions quickly moving up in weight classes before thoroughly defending their titles. “Champions are too quick to want to move up now and not defend their belts and go off to the weight above,” he said. “You should have to defend your belts at least three times if you want to move up.”
Pimblett also took aim at Topuria’s public persona, comparing him to former two-division champion Conor McGregor. “He’s just trying to be a carbon copy of McGregor,” Pimblett remarked. “He’s got as much charisma as a tackle. He’s got the same tattoo as McGregor on his chest, same one on his back. Stop trying to be Conor, just be yourself.”
