UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett have moved to ease tensions in their long-running feud, with both offering conciliatory remarks about one another amid uncertainty surrounding Topuria’s immediate future in the division.
The rivalry between Topuria and Pimblett has simmered for several years, fuelled by public exchanges and controversy, but recent comments from both fighters suggest a shift in tone as each looks ahead to potential championship implications at 155-pounds.
Topuria addressed the relationship during a recent interview, saying, “I always said he looked like someone who’s a super entertaining guy who did a superb job,” said Topuria, according to Bloody Elbow. Reflecting on past flashpoints, he added, “He had his slips with a tweet that he made about Georgia. But I think we all learn from our mistakes.”
The reigning lightweight champion also spoke about personal understanding between the two, noting, “Deep down, I notice that he is a person who understands family problems, personal problems, and respects it.” Looking ahead to a possible matchup, Topuria said, “What will happen in the octagon is something that really excites everyone,” before adding, “At the end of the day, we are professionals, and we’ll have a professional match.”
Pimblett, meanwhile, offered public support for Topuria while discussing the champion’s time away from competition. “He’s got a lot going on in his personal life. I wish him nothing but the best with it,” Pimblett said, according to BJPenn.com. He continued, “That’s nothing to do with me and him fighting. That’s his family, and I hope everything goes well. I hope that goes perfect for him.”
While striking a respectful tone, Pimblett also outlined potential consequences if Topuria remains sidelined. “All I care about is getting him in that octagon and fighting him,” Pimblett said. “Anything in his personal life, I hope it goes well, but you never know. If he doesn’t come back by June, July, he might have to vacate his belt, and I’ll become undisputed champ without even fighting.”
Topuria has recently suggested that the UFC’s plans at lightweight could shift depending on upcoming results, including January’s bout involving Justin Gaethje and Pimblett, leaving the title picture fluid as both fighters navigate professional ambitions alongside personal considerations.
