UFC’s Paddy Pimblett Eyes Massive Topuria Grudge Match

Posted on: January 5, 2026, 10:33h. 

Last updated on: January 5, 2026, 10:33h.

• Pimblett training for interim lightweight title bout with Gaethje Jan. 24 in Las Vegas
• Topuria, on the leave from UFC, issues statement updating his situation
• Pimblett says Topuria should vacate lightweight title if he is not coming back for awhile

The UFC Lightweight interim title fight between No. 4 Justin Gaethje and No. 5 Paddy Pimblett is fast approaching, Jan. 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, but that isn’t stopping Pimblett from also focusing on a potential grudge match down the line with lightweight champ Ilia Topuria.

“If Paddy wins (against Gaethje), which he will, it should be Paddy and Ilia,” said UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, during a podcast along with Pimblett. “That would be the biggest fight in MMA.”

Added Pimblett: “We just have to see what is happening with him. Even though I don’t like the guy, I feel for him. People are saying Ilia won’t be back for a year. People are saying it could get messy. If he’s going to sit out that long, I would rather he vacate and stop holding the division up. But I do want to fight him. I want to show everyone I can beat him. It’s a Catch-22.”

Topuria Steps Away From UFC

Topuria announced in November he would be taking a leave from UFC, citing a “difficult moment” in his personal life, claiming he was being extorted over false allegations of domestic abuse. 

Topuria is arguably the UFC’s most marketable fighter, after an incredible run of three fights, starting with a dramatic knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February 2024 to take the UFC featherweight title. He defended that title against Max Holloway at UFC 308, then moved up to lightweight, knocking out Charles Oliveira in the first round at UFC 317 in June to win that vacant title. 

Issues Statement

Topuria a few days ago issued a statement updating the public on his situation:

“I have always felt deeply grateful for the respectful treatment I have received from the media, who have been — and continue to be — an important part of my journey throughout all these years.

“Unfortunately, and very much to my regret, I am currently in the news for matters that have nothing to do with sports.

“I understand that being a public figure means being exposed to fake news and misleading, sensationalist headlines designed solely to generate clicks, without regard for the truth or the consequences.

False Headlines

“Yesterday, a media outlet published a story with a false headline claiming that I had been summoned to testify in a domestic violence case. That headline later had to be changed because it was not true. I have never been summoned to testify for that reason, although I will of course do so willingly if ever required. The fact is that, due to how the judicial system works, I am required to go to that court, but the summons is solely related to a family and administrative matter concerning my daughter’s travel outside of Spain, whom I have been unable to see for four months despite numerous attempts.

Paddy “The Baddy” Shares Thoughts

“I accept the cost of public exposure, but that does not justify the spread of unverified false information, the distortion of facts, or the disclosure of matters involving a minor who deserves protection. The situation began with a divorce petition filed by me, following weeks of negotiations after our separation. After I refused to accept certain completely unreasonable financial demands, a complaint alleging abuse was filed weeks later — something I had previously been threatened with and which is now being reviewed by the courts.”

UFC 324 Betting Lines

“I continue to place my trust in God, in justice, and in people. I know the truth will prevail, and that I will soon be able to recover one of the two most important things in my life, alongside my son Hugo: my daughter, Giorgina.

“All I ask of the media is the same respect and rigor that most of them have always shown me and that they stick to the facts, because the truth follows only one path.

“God bless you.”

DraftKings has Pimblett as betting favourite for UFC 324, at -230, with Gaethje at +190. FanDuel has the fight Pimblett -230, Gaethje +176.