UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis may have inadvertently revealed the next opponent for Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett, following Pimblett’s intense confrontation with Ilia Topuria at UFC 317. Topuria emerged victorious with a first-round knockout against Charles Oliveira, heightening the anticipation for a potential matchup against Pimblett.
The rivalry between Pimblett and Topuria has been simmering for years, fueled by a heated social media exchange and a near altercation at a hotel prior to UFC London in March 2022. In an exclusive interview, Pimblett expressed his disdain for Topuria, referring to him as “a pain in the ass” and emphasizing his desire to give fans the fight they crave. He remarked, “I know what’s going to happen, and it won’t be good for him.”
Topuria echoed this sentiment during his post-fight press conference, indicating that he looks forward to fighting Pimblett, stating, “With Paddy, I’m really going to enjoy kicking his a**.” Despite fans anticipating this showdown, it appears that Pimblett’s next fight may not be against Topuria.
Du Plessis, in a YouTube video, hinted that UFC 319, scheduled for August 16, might feature Pimblett in a different matchup. He stated that the co-main event is set to be Paddy Pimblett versus Justin Gaethje. This revelation surprised many fans who had assumed a fight with Topuria would occur next.
Fan reactions have been mixed. Some believe a victory for Gaethje could open a path for Topuria, while others advocate for fresh matchups, suggesting that Pimblett’s rivalry with Topuria offers more excitement. Comments on social media reflect a keen interest in how these matchups could unfold, especially considering the background of animosity shared between Pimblett and Topuria.
The fight landscape remains dynamic, and UFC 319 promises to be an event filled with high-stakes matchups that could shape the futures of several fighters. As these athletes gear up for their respective battles, fans eagerly await what’s next in the thrilling world of mixed martial arts.