UFC 314: Paddy Pimblett's Top Three Hitlist Includes Ilia Topuria

5 min read Post on May 16, 2025

UFC 314: Paddy Pimblett's Top Three Hitlist Includes Ilia Topuria

Ilia Topuria – The Main Target

Why Topuria is Pimblett's Number One Target:

Paddy Pimblett has made it abundantly clear that Ilia Topuria is his number one target. This isn't just idle chatter; it's a calculated callout driven by several factors.

Stylistic Matchup: Pimblett, known for his aggressive striking and relentless pressure, sees Topuria's equally aggressive and technically proficient style as the perfect recipe for a barn burner. He believes a clash of styles will produce a thrilling fight for the fans.
Popularity and Hype: A fight between Pimblett and Topuria would be massive. Both fighters boast significant fanbases and have cultivated compelling personalities, making this a potential pay-per-view headliner. The hype surrounding a Ilia Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett matchup is undeniable.
Public Statements: Pimblett hasn't been subtle. He's repeatedly called out Topuria across various social media platforms and interviews, explicitly stating his desire for this fight. He's even described Topuria's fighting style as one he relishes the challenge of facing.

The Topuria fighting style, characterized by precise striking and calculated aggression, would provide a stark contrast to Pimblett's more frenetic and pressure-heavy Pimblett fighting style. This contrast promises a dynamic and unpredictable fight, a key ingredient for a successful UFC featherweight or even a lightweight fight, depending on the weight class selected.

The Other Contenders: Rounding Out Pimblett's Hitlist

Number Two and Three on Pimblett's List:

While Ilia Topuria is the clear number one, Pimblett has also mentioned other fighters he'd be keen to face. While the exact order beyond Topuria fluctuates depending on the interview, he’s mentioned several potential opponents.

Fighter Name & Weight Class (Example 1): [Insert Fighter Name], [Weight Class]. This fighter is known for their [Fighting Style description, e.g., aggressive grappling and submissions]. Their recent performance against [Opponent Name] showcased their [Specific skill or attribute]. Pimblett likely sees them as a significant challenge within the UFC lightweight division.
Fighter Name & Weight Class (Example 2): [Insert Fighter Name], [Weight Class]. Another strong contender, this fighter exhibits [Fighting Style description, e.g., devastating power striking and knockout ability]. Their win over [Opponent Name] highlights their potential to become a top contender in the UFC featherweight division. Pimblett likely sees this as a high-stakes potential opponents matchup.

These are just examples; the specific fighters named by Pimblett might change over time. The common thread is that Pimblett seeks challenging fights against well-known and high-profile opponents within the UFC lightweight and UFC featherweight divisions. These matchups offer a solid increase in his profile and a showcase for his abilities.

The Implications of Pimblett's Choices

Impact on the UFC Lightweight and Featherweight Divisions:

The potential matchups proposed by Pimblett have significant implications for both the lightweight division and featherweight division.

Rankings and Title Contenders: A win against any of these opponents would significantly boost Pimblett's ranking and place him closer to a title shot. Conversely, a loss could set him back. The same applies to his opponents – victory would propel them further up the rankings, potentially leading to future title contention.
Storylines and Media Hype: The potential for compelling storylines and media hype surrounding these fights is immense. The personalities of Pimblett and his potential opponents guarantee a build-up full of trash talk, intense rivalries, and media attention, generating significant interest from both fans and media. These potential opponents promise a very interesting dynamic in terms of UFC rankings.

These fights will significantly impact the UFC rankings and the race for title contenders within both weight classes.

The Likelihood of These Fights Happening

Obstacles and Potential Roadblocks:

While these matchups are highly desirable, several factors could prevent them from happening.

UFC Matchmaking: The UFC has its own criteria for matchmaking, considering rankings, promotional strategies, and other factors. Pimblett's preferred opponents might not align with the UFC's immediate plans.
Fight Scheduling: Scheduling conflicts are inevitable in a busy UFC calendar. The availability of all fighters involved plays a critical role in whether these fights can materialize.
Alternative Opponents: If Pimblett's top choices are unavailable, the UFC will likely offer alternative opponents within the UFC lightweight and UFC featherweight divisions. This is a normal part of UFC matchmaking and fight scheduling.

Conclusion: The Future of "The Baddy" and UFC 314's Aftermath

Paddy Pimblett's bold callouts, especially targeting Ilia Topuria, have sent ripples through the UFC lightweight and featherweight divisions. These potential matchups hold massive implications for the rankings and the future title picture. While obstacles like scheduling and UFC matchmaking decisions might affect the realization of these fights, the sheer potential for explosive action and compelling storylines make them highly anticipated. Keep an eye out for updates on UFC 314 and the potential for Paddy Pimblett to face his top targets, including the explosive Ilia Topuria. What do you think of Pimblett's hit list? Share your predictions in the comments!