Dana White Gets Backlash From Paddy Pimblett Over Unfair Islam Makhachev Treatment

In the past, many champions with long title reigns like Alexander Volkanovski and Israel Adesanya, were offered double champion opportunities. But Makhachev didn’t get that, and abandoning the Topuria fight has also drawn the fighter a wave of criticism online. Many fans, including the Georgian-Spanish fighter, accused the pound-for-pound king of running away from the greatest superfight recently imagined.

Pimblett also mentioned he wanted Makhachev to fight Topuria first at International Fight Week before moving up to JDM. The UK native believed the Dagestani would easily beat the former featherweight king and later fight Della Maddalena in Abu Dhabi. However, this surprising new development in the lightweight division has certainly worked in favour of Pimblett’s future plans.

Paddy Pimblett is highly excited about the UFC 317 title fight

Paddy Pimblett has had a long-standing rivalry with Ilia Topuria that originally began in a hotel lobby altercation in London. Since then, both fighters have consistently trash-talked each other in public appearances, media interviews, and through various social media platforms. Following his lightweight move, Topuria has openly expressed strong intentions to eventually face Pimblett in a high-stakes title bout.

Going into UFC 317, Topuria is the favorite because of his recent form and incredible striking prowess in fights. ‘El Matador’ has already warned the Brazilian about a disappointing loss and confidently promised to secure a dominant finish. Pimblett will closely watch the main event, as a Topuria win over ‘Do Bronx’ would greatly benefit his future opportunities.

It’s probably better for me if Ilia wins the belt, because he’ll probably call me out. Then I could just fight him. I don’t even have to fight Gaethje. I could just end up fighting Topuria. But I don’t know who I want to win. I’m a fan of Charles, so I think I want Charles to win, but probably better for my career if Ilia wins, because I’ll more than likely be his first title defense.

In his last two fights, Topuria impressively finished two featherweight GOATs – current 145-pound champion Alexander Volkanovski and the legendary Max Holloway . With his lightweight debut, he looks visibly buffed, which might translate directly into increased knockout power and striking dominance. Oliveira often absorbs damage before grappling, but that strategy backfires sometimes, just like it did against Islam Makhachev at UFC 280. 

Getting hit by Topuria could end in a knockout and fans are expecting the same in the lightweight division. However, with his experience and grappling abilities, the Brazilian does have a strong chance to come back and get his second lightweight belt. It will all depend on how much damage Oliveira can avoid in the opening rounds.