Ilia Topuria has launched a verbal assault on Paddy Pimblett following "The Baddy's" crushing defeat at UFC 324, a result that has all but extinguished the flames of their long-simmering rivalry. The Liverpudlian fighter, aged 31, fell short in his bid for interim lightweight gold, losing a brutal five-round battle to veteran Justin Gaethje in the main event at Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena.
Grudge Match Dreams Shattered in Las Vegas
Pimblett's unanimous decision loss, with judges' scores of 48-47, 49-46 and 49-46, represents a significant setback. Not only did it deny him his first title shot, but it also scuppered a highly anticipated blow-off bout with the reigning lightweight champion, Topuria. With this victory, Gaethje has now positioned himself as the next contender to unify the belts, pushing Pimblett firmly to the sidelines.
Topuria's Salty Social Media Dig
Seizing the moment, Topuria—with whom Pimblett has previously admitted sharing a "mutual hatred"—took to social media platform X to rub salt into the wounds. In a scathing post, the Georgian-Spaniard mocked his rival's missed opportunity, writing: "Little sausage, the only thing you had to do was beat a 38-year-old guy. You just lost the biggest paycheck of your life. You were going to get rich if you won."
This public taunt underscores the personal and financial stakes that were on the line, highlighting how Pimblett's defeat has cost him a potentially career-defining payday and a shot at settling their bitter feud inside the octagon.
A Warning to the New Challenger
Topuria, a two-weight UFC champion who previously dominated the featherweight division before claiming the lightweight title in early 2025, then turned his attention to Gaethje. Offering a backhanded congratulations, he issued a stern warning to the 38-year-old American, stating: "Justin, all I can say is congratulations… and I’d like to tell you to get ready, but you’re screwed no matter what."
This confident declaration reflects Topuria's formidable reputation as a legend killer in the promotion, having previously knocked out elite fighters like Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira during his rise to the pinnacle of the sport.
Future Prospects for the Fighters
For Gaethje, this win sets up a monumental clash with Topuria, as he aims to finally secure the undisputed championship in what could be his UFC swan song. He will need to prepare meticulously to avoid becoming the next victim on Topuria's destructive path through the division's top contenders.
Meanwhile, Pimblett has vowed to bounce back from this setback, his first loss in the UFC. In a defiant post-fight interview, he pledged, "you haven’t seen the last of me," indicating his determination to rebuild and work his way back into title contention. The road ahead will be challenging, but his resolve suggests this defeat may only be a chapter in a longer story.
