Ilia Topuria believes UFC protecting Paddy Pimblett from him

Featherweight fighter Ilia “El Matador” Topuria believes that the UFC is protecting Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett from him. The fighters have twice been scheduled to fight.

Topuria expressed his opinion in an interview with Ariel Helwani from the MMA Fighting channel on YouTube. He said the UFC had been preventing him from facing the former Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion. He claimed that fans were looking forward to his fight with Pimblett because it would be “one of the biggest fights in the UFC,” making it suitable for “pay-per-view.”

“That fight makes more excitement for people than [many] championship fights,” said Topuria. He also shared a moment of himself almost running into Pimblett at the UFC Performance Institute.

Topuria comments on Pimblett vs. Jared Fordon

Both fighters claimed a victory on Saturday, with Topuria defeating Bryce Mitchell and Pimblett defeating Jared Gordon. Topuria, like the majority of fans, believes that Gordon won the bout. Topuria said that Pimblett’s win was “a Christmas gift” from the UFC.

“He lost the fight,” Topuria said. “They gave him a Christmas gift. Everyone [thought] he lost. When I hear 29-28. I think that Jared won the fight. Who cares. He wins his last fight with a decision – this is the time I’ve spent in my last four fights.”

Topuria vs. Pimblett

Topuria and Pimblett previously caused a stir on the internet when they were involved in an altercation at the UFC 282 pre-fight press conference on Thursday.

During the press conference, both fighters were seen making comments about each other. Topuria said that Pimblett had always avoided him whenever Pimblett saw him. Pimblett said that Topuria was just obsessed, saying he could not stop talking about him on social media. Pimblett then challenged Topuria to fight on the octagon.

Previously in March, Topuria and Pimblett were about to engage in a full-fledged unofficial duel before security intervened. According to Topuria, the clash occurred because Pimblett had disrespected Topuria and his country. Topuria shared the moment on Instagram, and his post became viral.