Paddy Pimblett has spoken out regarding the confrontation with Ilia Topuria at UFC 317, detailing the exchange that occurred just before Topuria shoved him.
The incident took place shortly after Topuria secured the vacant lightweight title with a decisive knockout win over Charles Oliveira in the event`s headliner, leading to a heated face-off between the long-standing rivals.
Some of the exchange was captured on camera, beginning with Pimblett congratulating Topuria on his victory but immediately asserting:
Well done, lad. That was a heavy knockout, respect… but you will never knock me out.
Topuria`s aggressive response was direct:
I’m going to take your head, you little p***y. I’m going to put my balls on your forehead, you little p***y!
A defiant Pimblett retorted:
I never get knocked out, I’ll finish you, little man.
Just moments before the physical shove, Topuria told him:
Get your bum arse out of here.
After the confrontation, Pimblett seemed to relish the moment. Speaking to UFC cameras away from the immediate scene, he shared a detail Topuria had mentioned off-mic:
Ilia’s just said in the cage that he’s going to submit me.
Pimblett dismissed the threat, adding:
He won’t do that. He said it because he knows he can’t knock me out. I will put that little b*tch in his place. Get it booked!
While many MMA fans enjoyed the unexpected face-off between the rivals, UFC President Dana White was critical, stating the two should never have been allowed near each other.
White commented:
I don’t know who the hell let him in there. That should have never happened. I was already back in my room or that would have never happened.
Percy Harlow