Ilia Topuria is too small for lightweight division, claims Paddy Pimblett: “If he fights me, he will move back down”

Paddy Pimblett doesn’t think Ilia Topuria has the size to continue competing at 155 pounds.

Topuria lost the UFC Lightweight Championship in a title unification bout against Justin Gaethje on the White House lawn back in June. “El Matador” didn’t get off his stool for the final round after having his face battered to the point where he suffered a broken orbital. It’s the first loss of Topuria’s pro MMA career.

Appearing on Barstool’s “Spinning Backfist MMA Show,” Pimblett wasn’t shy in saying he feels Topuria is undersized for the lightweight division (via MMAJunkie).

“I always say it, we have weight classes for a reason,” Pimblett said. “Ilia Topuria is a fat featherweight. 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 because he will realize how small he is for the weight.”

Pimblett also admitted that Gaethje’s victory was motivating for him as he initially questioned his ceiling following his January loss to “The Highlight.” The Liverpool native said he ultimately picked Gaethje to pull off the upset over Topuria before the bout took place.

While Pimblett vs. Topuria is a grudge match that many MMA fans are eager to see, it won’t be happening imminently. Pimblett is scheduled to meet Benoit Saint Denis on the UFC 329 card on July 11. It’s the same event that will be headlined by Conor McGregor’s return fight against Max Holloway.

As for Topuria, he was handed a six-month medical suspension, which can be reduced if he is granted clearance. Many find it hard to believe that Topuria will return before the end of 2026, but time will tell what ends up being the case.

Do you agree with Paddy Pimblett here? Is Ilia Topuria too small for the lightweight division? Drop your opinion in the comments below.