Paddy Pimblett details key training focus in preparation for Ilia Topuria UFC title fight

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Sep 8, 2025 - 22:25

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Paddy Pimblett details key training focus in preparation for Ilia Topuria UFC title fight

Paddy Pimblett has admitted that he must improve his striking ahead of a potential fight with Ilia Topuria.

Pimblett dominated Michael Chandler in his last fight at UFC 314 to climb up the lightweight rankings and has since been linked to a blockbuster clash with Topuria.

Pimblett faced off with Topuria at UFC 317 in June

Topuria had just knocked out Oliveira to become the new UFC lightweight champion

Topuria was crowned the UFC lightweight champion in June after knocking out Charles Oliveira.

After the bout, Pimblett stormed the Octagon and faced off with the Georgian-born Spanish fighter, with security forced to intervene in a heated exchange.

Several MMA fans were left wanting to see the two undefeated UFC stars fight it out for Topuria’s first title defence to settle their bitter rivalry that dates back many years.

Pimblett has previously insisted that Topuria will be his next fight, but top-ranked lightweights Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje have also been mentioned as potential suitors for the next title shot.

Nonetheless, ‘The Baddy’ is currently preparing to get back into a training camp, no matter who his next opponent is.

In a video posted on Pimblett’s YouTube channel, the Liverpudlian explained what he is working on ahead of a potential fight with Topuria, whom he calls ‘El Chorizo.’

Pimblett reveals training priority for Topuria UFC title fight

“My striking doesn’t feel there at the minute, to be honest,” Pimblett said.

“Last week, my striking timing felt good, and I’ve done five rounds with Luke [Riley]. So it’s just, I probably woke up on the wrong side of the bed today.

“Obviously, I’ve got to get that striking timing better if I’m fighting El Chorizo.

“That’s a lot of what I’m going to work on.”

Pimblett said his striking timing has to improve if he is to fight Topuria for the title

Pimblett is, however, extremely confident when it comes to training on the ground ahead of his return.

“But my grappling always feels phenomenal,” he added.

“As you see in them rounds, when I get people on the floor, they don’t get up.

“I smother people, like Khamzat [Chimaev] against [Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319].

“Once I get you down, and I’m on top of you, and I’m smothering you, you’re not getting up.

“I’m controlling you. I’m making you feel my weight, and making you feel some shots at the same time.

Pimblett and Topuria are both undefeated in the UFC

“That’s the thing, when I get on top of someone, you’re not getting up.”

Pimblett vs Topuria could be held for UFC’s $7.7billion deal with Paramount.

One of Pimblett’s coaches was then asked about his fighter’s next opponent and made some notable comments.

“Paddy’s been back training regularly every day, helping his teammates out who have fights coming up,” he said.

“Slowly but surely, he’s been bringing his weight down, getting back in shape, so hopefully some big fight news [is] coming soon.

“We’re just waiting to find out what’s next with the fight, whether it’s gonna be before Christmas or just after Christmas in January for when the new deal starts with Paramount.

“[Pimblett’s next opponent will be] most likely someone in the top five, possibly even for the belt.”

Pimblett is the No. 7-ranked UFC lightweight and eyeing up his first title shot

His comments are referring to the UFC’s historic $7.7billion broadcast deal with Paramount and CBS.

Both parties came to an agreement in August, which will make Paramount the new home for all UFC events in the United States in 2026.

This means that UFC CEO Dana White could potentially hold off on booking Topuria’s next fight.

Topuria vs Pimblett is the most lucrative bout in the lightweight division right now and is likely to generate maximum revenue for Paramount, so White may favour a main event in January, rather than in December.