Pimblett on Makhachev-Topuria

Paddy Pimblett is never one to shy away from voicing his opinion, and this time, the outspoken Brit has weighed in on a potential showdown between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. The UFC lightweight star believes there’s something quite compelling about this hypothetical fight, setting the stage for some interesting discussions in the MMA world.

Would Makhachev vs. Topuria Be a Blockbuster Fight?

At first glance, a matchup between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria may seem like an unusual choice considering Makhachev’s dominance at lightweight and Topuria’s current reign at featherweight. However, Pimblett sees something special in the clash of styles. Makhachev, known for his suffocating grappling and Dagestani wrestling pedigree, would undoubtedly have a size and strength advantage over Topuria. But would that be enough against the explosive and versatile Spaniard?

“I think Topuria could give Makhachev some problems. The way Ilia fights, he’s sharp, he’s powerful, and he knows how to put people away. It would be a very interesting fight,” Pimblett shared.

Pimblett, who himself has been steadily climbing the UFC ranks, understands the nuances of high-level MMA. While Makhachev has dominated every opponent thrown his way, Topuria’s confidence and aggressive fighting style could present an intriguing challenge.

Topuria’s Confidence Could Play a Huge Role

Ilia Topuria has never lacked self-belief. After capturing the featherweight belt, he has made it clear that he has his sights set on even bigger goals. The undefeated Spanish-Georgian fighter has been vocal about his ambitions of becoming a two-division champion, and a showdown with Makhachev would be the ultimate test of that dream.

The question remains, thoughcan Topuria handle Makhachev’s relentless grappling? The Dagestani champion has made a career out of neutralizing even the most elite strikers, dragging them into deep waters and grinding them down with suffocating pressure. But Topuria’s striking and ability to counter-wrestle have left many believing he has a puncher’s chance.

Could Pimblett Be Eyeing a Future Fight With Either?

While Pimblett’s focus remains on his own career, it’s hard to ignore that he’s talking about fighters in divisions above and below him. Is he simply appreciating the matchup, or is there a hint of self-interest? If Pimblett continues his rise through the lightweight ranks, he could eventually find himself in Makhachev’s crosshairs, or perhaps in a super fight with Topuria down the line.

No matter his intentions, Pimblett enjoys stirring conversations within the fight community, and this latest take on a potential Makhachev vs. Topuria clash has certainly sparked debate among MMA fans.

Final Thoughts

Would Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria be a fight worth making? According to Paddy Pimblett, it’s a matchup that has all the elements to be a classic: size, skill, style, and stakes. While there are currently no official plans for such a fight, there’s no doubt that the MMA world would take notice if it ever got booked.

For now, both Makhachev and Topuria have their own respective paths to navigate, but Pimblett’s insight certainly adds a layer of excitement to this hypothetical showdown. And with both men being two of the most dominant figures in their divisions, perhaps it’s only a matter of time before this dream clash becomes reality.

What do you think? Would Topuria stand a chance against Makhachev, or would the Dagestani powerhouse continue his reign? Let us know in the comments!