Hold onto your seats, fight fans, because the MMA world is buzzing with a matchup that could either be a career-defining moment or a brutal wake-up call. Paddy Pimblett, the charismatic Liverpool native, has been warned he stands ‘no chance’ in a potential UFC title clash against the newly-crowned champion, Ilia Topuria. But is this bold prediction justified, or is there more to the story than meets the eye?
Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett has undeniably captured the hearts of fans with his explosive rise in the UFC lightweight division. Once dismissed as a gimmick fighter, he’s silenced critics with dominant victories over the likes of King Green and Michael Chandler. These wins haven’t just turned heads—they’ve reshaped the narrative around his capabilities. But here’s where it gets controversial: while fans are all-in on the Pimblett hype train, some of his fellow contenders aren’t convinced he’s ready for the big leagues.
Enter Beneil Dariush, the no. 9 contender, who believes Pimblett’s chances against Topuria are slim to none. In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Dariush didn’t hold back: ‘I honestly can’t see where he would be a threat.’ He pointed out Pimblett’s striking vulnerabilities and questioned his ability to secure a takedown against Topuria, whose wrestling and takedown defense are widely regarded as world-class. And this is the part most people miss: Dariush isn’t just critiquing Pimblett’s skills—he’s also accusing the UFC of ‘protecting’ Pimblett from tougher matchups, like the one he himself proposed at UFC 322.
Dariush’s frustration is palpable. He believes the UFC deliberately kept him and Pimblett apart, opting instead to match Pimblett with less threatening opponents. ‘They don’t want me to spoil some of these guys,’ he claimed, suggesting the promotion prioritizes preserving certain fighters’ momentum over competitive fairness. Whether you agree with Dariush or not, his comments raise a thought-provoking question: Is the UFC playing favorites, or is Pimblett simply being strategically positioned for a title shot?
As the MMA community debates Pimblett’s readiness for Topuria, one thing is clear: this potential matchup is far from a done deal. Pimblett’s journey from underdog to title contender is inspiring, but Topuria’s championship reign won’t be easy to dethrone. So, here’s the burning question for you: Does Paddy Pimblett have what it takes to dethrone Ilia Topuria, or is he in over his head? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
