Paddy Pimblett believes Ilia Topuria won’t be the same after Justin Gaethje defeat

UFC star Paddy Pimblett believes that Ilia Topuria won’t be the same following his huge loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.

In the main event of UFC Freedom 250, Justin Gaethje shocked the world by stopping and defeating Ilia Topuria to become the new undisputed UFC lightweight champion. As you can imagine, this was a huge setback for Ilia, who was previously undefeated in his professional mixed martial arts career.

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While some believe this could be a real turning point in a positive way for Topuria if he can bounce back, others are of the view that this marks the beginning of a downward trajectory for the man once considered to be the next big thing.

In a recent interview, Paddy Pimblett had the following to say about Topuria’s next steps.

Pimblett’s view on Topuria vs Gaethje

“It’s just Gaethje gets you into that dog fight, drags you into it, you know what I mean? And Ilia’s never had that,” Pimblett told Demetrious Johnson. “Ilia’s never had to come back from adversity. Ilia’s only ever been the hammer. He’s never been the nail. That’s why after that fight with Justin that I had, I knew I could come back stronger and better because I’ve done it before.

“I don’t think Ilia Topuria ever comes back the same. His whole mantra, his whole like ego, is like, ‘I’m undefeated. No one can beat me,’ having celebrations the night before the fight. I just don’t think he’ll ever be the same. He’s never had to come back from nothing like that. I’ve had to face adversity before. I’d happily be his first fight back.”

Quotes via MMA Junkie

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