“Pay Them”: Sean O’Malley Pushes for Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett as TUF Coaches Before Epic Fight

Topuria and Pimblett have an old brewing rivalry. They have often exchanged words on social media. The rivalry is bitter; the lightweight almost fought in a hotel lobby during the UFC London event. 

Thus, the pair appear to be a perfect prospect for the famous ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ show, which gives new fighters a chance to win UFC contracts. Sean O’Malley is all in on the idea. 

Sean O’Malley Wants Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett at TUF

In an interview with the MMA Guru, Sean O’Malley touched upon the rumor that the lightweights could feature on the show as coaches. 

O’Malley did a hilarious impression of Pimblett and said, “Pay them whatever the f**k they want. Paddy, Ilia, The Ultimate Fighter, and a fight at the end of it.”

Topuria lost his UFC lightweight title in June against Justin Gaethje. He has now returned to training and is aiming for the rematch. 

However, the lightweight division appears to be in motion as the champion Gaethje has picked Arman Tsarukyan as the next title challenger after his first-round finish at UFC 331. 

Meanwhile, Paddy Pimblett returned to the win column with a first-round submission in July after his loss against Gaethje in January. Topuria’s rematch thus appears unlikely. 

Dana White and Pimblett on TUF

The British UFC star is down to coach on the show against the Spaniard. Pimblett believes he could also get into Topuria’s mind before they fight inside the cage. 

“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,” Pimblett said.

Meanwhile, UFC President Dana White also liked the idea. But hasn’t promised anything on the same. “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.

Be it inside the cage or as coaches against each other, Pimblett and Topuria together will surely generate numbers for the UFC.