Pimblett mocks Topuria for chasing fans across three countries after Gaethje loss

Paddy Pimblett has launched a fresh attack on Ilia Topuria, accusing the former UFC lightweight champion of manufacturing fanbases across three countries and predicting his support will evaporate entirely if the pair ever meet inside the octagon.

Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience, the Liverpool-born contender questioned the legitimacy of Topuria’s multinational following. “Is he Georgian, is he Spanish, is he German? You pick one, lad. You can’t be all three,” Pimblett said. “Stop trying to get a fanbase from three different countries.”

Topuria, who was born in Georgia, grew up in Spain and has German citizenship, lost his unbeaten professional record when Justin Gaethje stopped him to claim the UFC lightweight title. Pimblett claimed that defeat had already done significant damage to Topuria’s standing with Spanish fans — and that the slide had begun even before the fight.

“I’ve heard everyone in Spain’s turned on him anyway. There was little ruffles of it before he lost to Justin, but then obviously it’s went worse since he lost to Justin,” Pimblett said.

The 30-year-old went further, suggesting that a loss to him specifically would leave Topuria without a fanbase at all. “It’ll be heavy if I fight him and he loses again then. He won’t have any fans left,” he added.

The remarks represent the latest chapter in a long-running rivalry between the two fighters. Pimblett has previously called out Topuria on multiple occasions, and the comments on one of the world’s most-listened-to podcasts will only intensify speculation about a potential matchup. Neither the UFC nor either fighter’s camp has confirmed any negotiations for a bout.