Not everyone is impressed with Ilia Topuria`s run in the UFC`s featherweight division.
Topuria, also known as `El Matador,` is starting a new phase. Having vacated the featherweight (145-pound) title, he will compete for the lightweight championship against Charles Oliveira.
His move to pursue a lightweight title brings his time in the featherweight division to a close.
Despite a shorter-than-expected reign, Topuria did secure wins against fighters seen as top contenders in the division.
However, a prominent rival remains unimpressed by his achievements.
Paddy Pimblett Criticizes Topuria`s Opponent Selection
While they haven`t fought, the rivalry between Topuria and Paddy Pimblett continues to grow.
In a recent interview, `The Baddy` downplayed the Georgian-Spanish fighter`s success.
Pimblett stated, “He has done a lot in the sport, but I do still think he’s been hand-fed opponents.”
He elaborated, “[Max] Holloway had just been fighting at 155 [pounds], had a war with [Justin] Gaethje. Volk [Alexander Volkanovski] had just been knocked out like two months earlier…Josh Emmett was like 37. Bryce [Mitchell], as much as I love Bryce, we know he’s not a striker.”
He added, “Every fight he had before the title, Michael Chandler beats every single one of them. I reckon Bobby Green beats every single one of them.”
This criticism could be seen as a response to Topuria previously calling Pimblett`s win over Chandler a victory against an “average fighter.”
Ilia Topuria`s Path to the Featherweight Title
Topuria secured six wins in the UFC before challenging for the featherweight championship.
His victories included knockout finishes against Damon Jackson, Ryan Hall, and Jai Herbert. These wins led to a bout with ranked contender Bryce Mitchell, whom he dominated via submission.
Following this, he defeated Josh Emmett by decision in a dominant performance at UFC Jacksonville, which earned him a title shot against Alexander Volkanovski.
Topuria`s move to lightweight means he won`t have to climb the ranks again.
The 28-year-old is set for an immediate title opportunity, facing Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight belt at UFC 317 in June during International Fight Week.
Jack Thornley