Topuria–Pimblett Rivalry Began at UFC 317
Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett exchanged words and shoved each other after Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 on June 28, 2025. The incident fueled calls for a matchup, but the UFC did not book them against each other in the title fights that followed.
The UFC 317 confrontation
Pimblett challenged Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026, and lost by unanimous decision. Gaethje then faced Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, 2026, stopping him with a corner stoppage at the end of Round 4 to win the undisputed belt.
Later title fights
The confrontation prompted public calls for a matchup, but the later title opportunities took the fighters in different directions.
At UFC 317, Pimblett entered the Octagon after Topuria’s win and the two men exchanged words and a shove. That moment gave the rivalry its clearest public origin and led to calls from fans for a fight. Their next major bookings went in different directions: each faced Gaethje in separate lightweight title contests.
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