Paddy Pimblett has proposed coaching opposite Ilia Topuria on a future season of The Ultimate Fighter as the UFC lightweights continue to move towards a potential grudge match.

Pimblett returned to winning ways with a submission victory over Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 329 earlier this year, while former lightweight champion Topuria is targeting a return after his defeat to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. The pair have been involved in a long-running rivalry and could potentially meet in a title eliminator as the lightweight division takes shape.

“I have no fight booked at the minute but I would love to fight Ilia Topuria, I’ll beat him that bad that I’d send him back down to featherweight,” said Pimblett in an interview with Kolos MMA, according to Bloody Elbow.

“I think me and Ilia Topuria would be a brilliant season of The Ultimate Fighter because I’d get under his skin so much, that when we come into the fight, I’d beat him just as fast as McGregor beat Aldo,” Pimblett said.

“It would be a brilliant press conference as I said,” Pimblett continued. “The Ultimate Fighter would be a very entertaining six weeks to say the least if it was me and him.”

No fight between Pimblett and Topuria has been announced, with Arman Tsarukyan also among the leading contenders in the lightweight title picture. Gaethje’s future could also have an impact on the division, with Topuria potentially in contention for a vacant title fight should the champion retire and relinquish the belt.

Pimblett and Topuria have exchanged words on numerous occasions during their UFC careers, with their rivalry predating Topuria’s move from featherweight to lightweight. UFC CEO Dana White has previously said a meeting between the pair would be capable of headlining a major event.