The UFC's Missed Opportunity: Why Topuria vs. Pimblett Needs to Happen Now
There’s something about a good rivalry in combat sports that just grabs you, isn’t there? It’s not just about the punches or the submissions; it’s the drama, the backstory, the why behind the fight. And right now, the MMA world is buzzing with one question: Why hasn’t the UFC booked Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett yet? Personally, I think this is one of those matchups that’s staring the UFC right in the face, and yet, they seem hesitant to pull the trigger. What makes this particularly fascinating is how perfectly aligned the stars are for this fight—both in terms of timing and narrative.
The Rivalry That Writes Itself
Topuria and Pimblett have been dancing around each other for years, their paths crossing in hotels, arenas, and even inside the cage. Their faceoff after Topuria’s lightweight title win at UFC 317 was electric, with Topuria promising to put his ‘B-side’ on Pimblett’s forehead. If you take a step back and think about it, this is the kind of personal beef that sells tickets. It’s not just about two fighters; it’s about two personalities, two styles, and two narratives colliding.
What many people don’t realize is how rare it is for a rivalry to feel this organic. In an era where trash talk often feels scripted, Topuria and Pimblett’s animosity seems genuine. This isn’t a manufactured storyline—it’s two fighters who genuinely don’t like each other, and that’s gold for the UFC.
The UFC’s Hesitation: A Missed Opportunity?
Here’s where things get interesting. Arman Tsarukyan, a fellow lightweight contender, recently shared his thoughts on the Deep Waters podcast, and his take is worth unpacking. He believes the UFC won’t book this fight because they’re afraid of either fighter losing. In his opinion, the UFC wants to protect Pimblett’s momentum and give Topuria an ‘easy’ opponent after his loss to Gaethje.
From my perspective, this is where the UFC might be overthinking things. Yes, Pimblett is a rising star, and yes, Topuria is coming off a tough loss. But isn’t that exactly why this fight makes sense? Both fighters are at a crossroads. Pimblett needs a high-profile win to prove he’s title material, and Topuria needs to bounce back in a big way. This fight could be a defining moment for both of them.
One thing that immediately stands out is Tsarukyan’s suggestion that Pimblett could fight Max Holloway instead. While Holloway is a legend, his wrestling deficiencies make him a questionable matchup for Pimblett. If you ask me, that’s a safer fight, but it lacks the spark that Topuria vs. Pimblett would bring.
The MMA Gods Don’t Wait
Here’s the thing about combat sports: timing is everything. The UFC learned this the hard way with Topuria vs. Makhachev, a fight that never materialized despite its potential. The MMA Gods, as they say, have a way of punishing hesitation. If the UFC waits too long to book Topuria vs. Pimblett, they risk losing the momentum entirely.
What this really suggests is that the UFC needs to trust its audience. Fans don’t just want to see two great fighters—they want to see two fighters with a story. Topuria vs. Pimblett has that story, and it’s ready to be told.
Why This Fight Matters Beyond the Octagon
This isn’t just about two fighters settling a score. It’s about the UFC’s ability to capitalize on organic rivalries in an era of manufactured drama. It’s about giving fans what they want instead of what the promotion thinks they need. If the UFC books this fight, it sends a message: they’re listening, they’re willing to take risks, and they understand what makes MMA special.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how this fight could reshape the lightweight division. A win for Pimblett would catapult him into title contention, while a win for Topuria would silence his doubters. Either way, the division would be better for it.
Final Thoughts: Just Book the Fight
In my opinion, the UFC is sitting on a goldmine with Topuria vs. Pimblett. This is one of those fights that doesn’t need to be forced—it’s already there, waiting to happen. The rivalry is real, the timing is perfect, and the stakes are high. What’s stopping them?
If you ask me, the UFC needs to stop overthinking and start acting. Book the fight, let the fighters do their thing, and let the fans enjoy the show. Because at the end of the day, isn’t that what this sport is all about?
