New York: The fiery rivalry between UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and fan-favourite Paddy Pimblett resurfaced once again in Qatar, as the two fighters exchanged heated words while serving as cornermen ahead of this weekend’s UFC event.
The incident occurred on Friday before the official UFC Qatar weigh-ins, where Topuria was entering the venue alongside his brother Aleksandre Topuria, while Pimblett stood nearby preparing to corner teammate Luke Riley, who makes his UFC debut.
Pimblett and Topuria reignite feud
The exchange began with Topuria greeting Pimblett from across the hallway:
“What’s up bro?” Topuria shouted.
“What’s happening? You all right?” Pimblett replied.
The cordial tone quickly ended as Topuria called Pimblett a “p*ssy” while walking inside.
Pimblett fired back instantly:
“Come on chorizo, calm down.”
UFC officials ensured the two fighters remained separated, but with the ceremonial weigh-ins only hours away, another encounter remains possible.
A rivalry years in the making
Topuria and Pimblett’s feud stretches back several years. Their tension first escalated during UFC London, where the pair were involved in a physical confrontation that ended with Pimblett throwing a bottle of hand sanitizer at the Spanish-Georgian star. That moment inspired Pimblett’s infamous nickname for the champion: “Hand Sanitizer Boy.”
The rivalry reignited in June when Pimblett entered the octagon for an impromptu faceoff after Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira to claim the vacant lightweight title. The staredown fuelled speculation of a blockbuster future matchup.
Potential main event still only a rumour
Rumours have circulated about Topuria and Pimblett headlining a major UFC event under the promotion’s upcoming broadcast partnership with Paramount, beginning January. However, no fight agreement has been finalised.
Pimblett has openly pushed for a showdown, repeatedly calling out Topuria in interviews, but whether the UFC moves forward with the matchup remains uncertain.
For now, the rivalry continues outside the cage — and UFC Qatar just added another chapter.
