UFC star Paddy Pimblett has expressed an interest in coaching a season of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ against Illia Topuira.
Pimblett has been sidelined since his unanimous decision victory over Jared Gordon at UFC 282 in December of 2022. The lightweight fighter is still recovering from his ankle surgery and can’t give a concrete answer on when fans can expect him to return.
Paddy Pimblett on UFC Return
Ahead of the UFC’s return to London, England, this Saturday at the O2 Arena, Pimblett appeared as a special guest during a fan Q&A and told the audience his ideal situation upon his return:
“I’m just waiting to see when I come back. Obviously, (Matt) Frevola is a nice one. He called me out. But I think about 12 people have called me out in the post-fight interview, to be honest. We’ll see what happens in the future. I’d love to do a season of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ with Ilia Topuria. I reckon that would be hilarious.”
“That would be funny, that, wouldn’t it? I’d get under some people’s skins, you know what I mean?”
The Ultimate Fighter?
Given the pair’s history, a season of ‘TUF’ would be guaranteed entertainment between Pimblett and Topuria. Last July, ahead of UFC London, both men got into an altercation in the hotel and exchanged insults during UFC 282 press conference. The duo have been tied together since, but the beef is yet to be settled.
Topuira’s most recent outing against Josh Emmett stunned the world of mixed martial arts. However, Pimblett wasn’t impressed:
“Performance of the Year? He couldn’t finish someone who’s going to retire soon. You’re messing, aren’t you? Josh Emmett is like 39, isn’t he? If you think that was a great performance, then yeah – but I could finish Josh Emmett in my sleep.”
What do you think is the most logical next move for Paddy Pimblett? Would you like to see him coach on ‘TUF’ against Illia Topuira? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
