Paddy Pimblett Explains Why UFC Gold Trumps His Hatred for Ilia Topuria

Few rivalries in modern mixed martial arts carry as much genuine animosity as the feud between Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria. From hotel lobby scuffles to years of relentless back-and-forth insults, the tension between Liverpool's fan favorite and the former featherweight king has always felt on the verge of exploding inside the Octagon. Yet, when forced to choose between settling a personal grudge or fighting for UFC gold, "The Baddy" isn't letting emotions cloud his vision.

Pimblett made it crystal clear that his ultimate obsession is becoming a world champion, even if that means delaying his grudge match with Topuria to chase current lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.

"I’d take a rematch with Gaethje before Ilia because I want to be a world champion," Pimblett said. "I hate Ilia, don’t get me wrong. Obviously, I’d rather beat Ilia and then beat Justin, but Justin’s got the belt. That’s what we do it for, to be recognized as the best in the world, to be the undisputed champion. That’s been my goal since I was 15 or 16, so that’s what I want to do."

Legacy Over Personal Grudges

That single-minded focus speaks volumes about Pimblett's priorities at 155 pounds. Holding a 24-4 professional record with an 8-1 mark in the UFC, the 31-year-old Scouser recently bounced back with a win over Benoit Saint-Denis following a grueling five-round championship clash against Gaethje. While a blockbuster fight against Topuria, who holds a 17-1 record, remains one of the biggest money fights the promotion could make, Pimblett views bad blood as secondary to undisputed status.

Topuria himself is navigating the lightweight division following his own high-profile setback against Gaethje, keeping a potential collision with Pimblett firmly on the table. However, as the lightweight division continues to move at a relentless pace, Pimblett's sights remain locked on the prize that has driven him since his early days training in Merseyside.

Settling scores with Topuria will always generate headlines, but for Pimblett, personal hatred takes a back seat to the singular dream of having UFC gold wrapped around his waist.