Paddy Pimblett Thinks He and Ilia Topuria Could Bring ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ Back to Life
Paddy Pimblett believes a season of The Ultimate Fighter featuring himself and Ilia Topuria as coaches could inject new life into the long-running UFC reality series.
The Ultimate Fighter series is one of the most interesting shows, as it gives so many fighters a chance to learn from elite fighters and earn a UFC fight contract. While the show has featured many great fighters as coaches, from Conor McGregor to Brock Lesnar, it has also produced talents like Kamaru Usman, Nate Diaz, and many others. Meanwhile, talking about it, Paddy Pimblett has shared his interest in taking part alongside Ilia Topuria for one specific reason.
Paddy Pimblett Wants Ilia Topuria on ‘The Ultimate Fighter’
The Liverpudlian said he would love to coach on the show. A couple of years ago, he recalled, Moicano suggested that a season with the two of them would make great television. Pimblett said he would spend the full six weeks getting inside Topuria's head. In his telling, the former champion wouldn't know where to look or what to say, and he would be left feeling awkward the whole time.
Pimblett said, “But now I would love to do the Ultimate Fighter with Ilia Topuria. I'd have his head in the shed for six weeks. He wouldn't know where to look, what to say. I'd have him feeling awkward constantly. Me and Ilia would bring the ratings back to The Ultimate Fighter.”
For those who don’t know, Topuria and Pimblett already have a rivalry, and neither man hides that he can't stand the other. Their actual fight is expected sometime in the near future, but spending six straight weeks in each other's company before that would make for an exciting watch.
Dana White Shared His Thoughts About Ilia Topuria Vs. Paddy Pimblett At TUF 35
White was asked about the rumored new season of The Ultimate Fighter, which is said to feature Ilia Topuria and Pimblett as coaches, at the UFC 332 press conference. White likes the idea, but he stopped short of promising anything. “I love the idea of that, but a lot of things determine how things play out. Not just for The Ultimate Fighter, but certain fights and title fights. We'll see how the timing plays out,” White said.
The UFC has officially renewed The Ultimate Fighter for Season 35. However, no premiere date or casting timeline has been announced yet. But it will be interesting to see if Topuria vs Pimblett actually happens.
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