Ilia Topuria’s Plan for the Undefeated Star Is Anything But Respectful

Their rivalry was reignited after a recent interview with TMZ Sports—shared by Championship Rounds—where Topuria didn’t just talk about winning, he painted a humiliating picture of how he’d do it.

‘I could choose the way I finish him,’ Topuria said.
‘Maybe it’s gonna be cool to submit him with a triangle choke…
put my balls on his forehead.’

The comment went viral, drawing a mix of laughter, outrage, and even support from fans who have long followed the feud. 

While some called it disrespectful, others saw it as classic fight promotion—and a window into just how personal this matchup has become over the years. 

It's the kind of bad blood that practically sells itself without any official poster or promo.

As the verbal jabs escalate, UFC President Dana White and his team are weighing the options for Topuria’s first title defense at 155. Many see a bout with Pimblett as a potential blockbuster, one that would deliver fireworks both inside the Octagon and at the box office.