Paddy Pimblett accuses undefeated UFC star of favorable treatment

Paddy Pimblett didn't mince words about a former UFC champion's run to the top of MMA.

Per Haljestam-Imagn Images

Paddy Pimblett has had enough of the hype around former UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria. Whether it's his fighting style, personality, or otherwise, Pimblett is not impressed by what he has seen out of Topuria so far.

So much so that the upcoming lightweight title fight between Topuria and former Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira has Pimblett second-guessing whether Topuria's resume is even worth considering as one of the best in the sport.

"He has done a lot in the sport since then, but I do still think he’s been hand-fed opponents," Pimblett told TNT Sports.

READ MORE: 20-year-old Road to UFC phenom brutalizes undefeated fighter with 37-second KO

Ilia Topuria celebrates his championship victory against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298 at Honda Center. | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Paddy Pimblett Breaks Down Ilia Topuria's Gift-Wrapped Career

Pimblett, fresh off a win against Michael Chandler last month, took a verbal jab at Topuria when further dissecting why fans should be skeptical about his run of dominance en route to a title fight with Volkanovski in Feb. 2023.

Apr 12, 2025; Miami, Florida, UNITED STATES; Paddy Pimblett (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Michael Chandler (not pictured) during UFC 314 at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

"Holloway had just been fighting at 155, had to get back to '45 and had a war with [Justin] Gaethje," Pimblett said. "Volk had just been knocked out like two months earlier, three months earlier. Josh Emmett was like 37. Bryce [Mitchell], as much as I love Bryce, we know he's not a striker.

READ MORE: Sean O’Malley brings in UFC GOAT to prepare for Merab Dvalishvili

Paddy Pimblett Tips Cap To Michael Chandler

Pimblett took things a step further, giving former Bellator Champion in Chandler a slight nod and saying that if he was in a similar situation as Topuria on his way up, then he would have succeeded, too.

Apr 12, 2025; Miami, Florida, UNITED STATES; Michael Chandler (red gloves) fights against Paddy Pimblett (blue gloves) during UFC 314 at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

"Every fight he had before the title, Michael Chandler beats every single one of them," Pimblett said. "I reckon Bobby Green beats every single one of them. I don't think he beats Volk if Volk hadn't been knocked out three months previous."

Like Topuria, Pimblett is also unbeaten in the UFC and has gained immense notoriety during his rapid rise as one of the UFC's biggest draws.

READ MORE: Robert Whittaker gives honest take on Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev

Whether the two cross paths remains to be seen. But, clearly, Pimblett wants to see Topuria achieve much more.

More MMA Knockout News

• Tom Aspinall says Jon Jones delay is testing him more than injury
• UFC adds three fights to Dustin Poirier’s retirement card
• Jon Jones just changed the tone on his UFC future
• Hard-hitting UFC contender books next fight after brutally retiring former champion

Stick with MMAKnockout for more FREE coverage of the UFC and MMA.

Follow MMAKnockout on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.