Ilia Topuria has officially identified Paddy Pimblett as the opponent he desires for his anticipated Octagon return, targeting a clash around April 2027. The former two-division champion, who recently suffered a significant defeat to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250, described the loss as the “worst day” of his professional career. In a candid interview with Spanish outlet ABC Diario, Topuria admitted to contemplating retirement immediately following the bout, stating, “I’ve achieved everything, and after this fight, what else?” However, his competitive fire reignited with a specific focus on his longtime rival, Pimblett, whom he intends to face upon his comeback.
‘El Matador’ targets Paddy Pimblett for 2027 return after calling Gaethje loss career low
The animosity between Topuria and Pimblett stems from a bitter, long-running rivalry ignited by Pimblett’s controversial comments regarding Topuria’s home country, Georgia. Topuria did not hold back in his assessment of the matchup, using visceral language to describe his intent: “Paddy, Paddy, Paddy. I eat him like a sausage, which he is.” This statement underscores the high stakes and personal nature of the potential bout, which would serve as a definitive conclusion to one of the UFC’s most heated feuds. The timing aligns with Topuria’s stated goal of returning to competition in the spring of 2027, allowing ample time for recovery and preparation after his recent setback.
UFC CEO Dana White has corroborated the timeline, confirming that the promotion is actively working to secure Topuria’s next matchup for next year. Speaking to Jim Rome, White stated, “He’ll be back in 2027. We’re working on that too.” This official endorsement from the UFC’s top executive validates Topuria’s return window and suggests that the organization is prioritizing a high-profile card for the 2027 calendar. As Topuria transitions from a period of reflection to active preparation, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on whether he can overcome his recent loss to Gaethje and deliver the decisive victory over Pimblett that he has publicly demanded.
Source: Yahoo Sports
