Paddy Pimblett Warns Ilia Topuria “You’re a Fat Featherweight” Who Belongs Back at 145
Paddy Pimblett did not hold back when sharing his thoughts on Ilia Topuria moving up to lightweight. In a recent interview, the Liverpool fighter made it clear that weight classes exist for a reason and that Topuria is simply too big for featherweight.
“I always say we have weight classes for a reason,” Paddy stated. “Ilia Topuria is a fat featherweight, you know what I mean? He’s not a lightweight lad, and if I ever fight him, people will realize that if he fights me, he will move back down to 45, ’cause he will realize how small he is for the weight.”
Paddy’s comments highlight a common debate in MMA about fighters who move up in weight. He believes Topuria’s frame and power at featherweight give him an advantage that would disappear against natural lightweights. According to Paddy, a fight between them would quickly show everyone why Topuria belongs back at 145 pounds.
The outspoken Brit went further, suggesting that Topuria himself would come to the same conclusion after facing a true lightweight. Paddy’s confidence in his own size and skill at 155 pounds was evident as he spoke. He sees the weight difference as a major factor that would work against Topuria in a potential matchup.
Beyond the size discussion, Paddy also addressed Justin Gaethje’s recent victory over Topuria. When asked about his reaction to watching Gaethje do what he did, Paddy admitted it motivated him. He revealed that he and his team had actually predicted Gaethje would win, even when others laughed at the idea.
“As soon as I seen him win, ’cause I was thinking, oh, Justin Gaethje should beat me,” Paddy explained. “He’s just beat me. Am I ever gonna get anywhere near the title now? Like, was that my chance? And then he goes out there, and I actually said, me and Paul actually said we thought Justin was gonna win and everyone laughed at us.”
Paddy connected the dots in an interesting way. He believes Gaethje beating him earlier in the year was part of a larger plan. That loss cleared the path for Gaethje to then defeat Topuria and position himself for something bigger.
“I think it was fate,” Paddy said. “Now I think it was fate for him to beat me so that he could be on the white House lawn and be the American in the main event, where he wins the world title. I just think it was destiny.”
Even when discussing the controversial eye pokes from his own fight with Gaethje, Paddy showed no bitterness. He brushed it off as part of the same destiny that led to Gaethje’s big win over Topuria. “That’s why nothing happened over the eye pokes, it was just destiny, lad,” he added with a smile.
Throughout the conversation, Paddy made it clear he holds no animosity toward Gaethje. “I’ve got no animosity towards Justin Gaethje, lad, he beat me, better man won on the night and I think it was fate.” This mature perspective stood out as Paddy focused on the bigger picture rather than personal grudges.
Paddy’s comments paint a picture of a fighter who is thinking long-term. While he remains confident he could beat Topuria and send him back to featherweight, he also sees value in Gaethje’s run. The idea of an American winning the title on the White House lawn clearly captured his imagination and fit into his belief that certain things are meant to happen.
By calling Topuria a “fat featherweight,” Paddy sparked fresh debate about size advantages and weight class movement in MMA. His prediction that Topuria would realize he is too small for lightweight if they ever fought adds another layer to the growing rivalry talk between the two fighters.
At the same time, Paddy’s take on Gaethje’s path shows respect for what the American achieved. He turned a personal loss into part of a larger story that could lead to Gaethje capturing gold in spectacular fashion.
Whether fans agree with Paddy’s assessment of Topuria’s size or his destiny theory about Gaethje, one thing is certain: Paddy The Baddy continues to deliver honest, entertaining opinions that keep the MMA world talking.
What do you think about Paddy Pimblett’s comments on Ilia Topuria’s weight? Do you agree that Gaethje beating Paddy was “destiny” for a bigger moment? Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s discuss who really belongs at lightweight.
