Paddy Pimblett, Ilia Topuria Expected to Headline UFC Lightweight Title Fight in January

Paddy Pimblett has reignited his feud with UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, criticizing Topuria's heritage and claiming he wouldn't be champion without Pimblett's influence, while also calling Topuria fake and a McGregor copycat. Pimblett is expected to challenge Topuria for the lightweight title at UFC 324, a bout that will headline a Pay-Per-View event and has sparked mixed reactions among fans, some of whom question Pimblett's deservedness for the title shot. UFC officials reportedly chose Pimblett over Justin Gaethje as Topuria's opponent, believing Pimblett would draw a larger audience. Additionally, Pimblett recently demonstrated his grappling skills on former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua during a cross-discipline session, leading Joshua to realize MMA's difficulty firsthand. This crossover highlighted Pimblett's prowess in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and showcased the growing intersections between boxing and MMA. The buildup to the Pimblett-Topuria fight underscores both the rivalry's personal nature and the commercial stakes for the UFC.