Sports · Combat Sports · 5 hrs ago
Topuria criticizes Pimblett as rumors of a UFC coaching role swirl
Ilia Topuria criticized lightweight rival Paddy Pimblett in comments about a possible matchup.
Topuria said Pimblett would be a good opponent, but also mocked his appearance and fighting ability.
Topuria claimed Pimblett could not match him on the ground, while noting that it was hard to discuss such matters after his loss to Justin Gaethje.
Rumors have linked the two fighters to coaching a future season of The Ultimate Fighter.
Topuria said he has had no talks with the UFC about that possibility.
He said his priority is returning to training and feeling healthy.
Further talks will show whether he and the UFC agree on what comes next.
Ilia Topuria criticized fellow lightweight Paddy Pimblett while discussing rumors that they could coach an upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter.
Topuria said he had heard the rumors but had not spoken with the UFC about them.
He said he believes Pimblett is not at his level in grappling and would not score a point against him on the ground.
Topuria said his priority was returning to training and feeling healthy.
- Who
- Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett, fellow lightweight fighters.
- What
- Topuria criticized Pimblett and addressed rumors that they could coach The Ultimate Fighter.
- When
- The article was published on November 9, 2026. The interview date is not stated.
- Where
- Topuria spoke to ABC.es.
- Why
- The comments came as rumors circulated about the two potentially coaching an upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Published
- November 9, 2026
- Potential show
- The Ultimate Fighter
- Potential coaches
- Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett
- Interview outlet
- ABC.es
What people are saying
I’ve heard some rumors [about The Ultimate Fighter], but I haven’t had any conversations with the UFC.
Paddy, on the ground, just grappling, doesn’t win a single point against me.