“I’m Gonna Enjoy Kicking His Ass” Ilia Topuria Fires Shots at Paddy Pimblett
Topuria Shows Class Toward Oliveira, Fire Toward Pimblett in Heated Post-Fight Presser
After making history at UFC 317 by knocking out Charles Oliveira in the first round to become the new UFC Lightweight Champion.
Ilia Topuria had two very different tones in his post-fight press conference: respect for the man he just defeated — and pure heat toward the man who stormed the cage after.
Topuria’s brutal knockout win over Oliveira on June 28, 2025, in Las Vegas was the statement he needed to claim the lightweight throne.
But what followed — a faceoff with Paddy Pimblett — stole headlines just as quickly.
“Charles Is a Good Guy… It Was Difficult to Knock Him Out”
Speaking to media after the event, Topuria acknowledged Oliveira’s heart and legacy:
“Charles is a good guy. It was hard for me to knock him out. It was difficult,” Topuria said.
Despite the tension in the buildup, the champ showed nothing but class for the former titleholder.
The Cage Crash: Pimblett Storms the Octagon
Just moments after the knockout win, Paddy Pimblett entered the cage without warning.
He and Topuria went face-to-face in a heated exchange, reigniting a rivalry that dates back to a backstage altercation in 2022.
The UFC hadn’t planned the moment — and Dana White made that very clear.
“I’m Really Gonna Enjoy Kicking His Ass”
When asked about the confrontation, Topuria didn’t hold back:
“I’m really gonna enjoy kicking his ass,” he told reporters.
“He talks a lot. Now he has to back it up.”
Whether the fight happens or not remains unclear, but the champ made it personal — fast.
Not So Fast: What’s Next for Topuria?
While fans love the drama, Paddy isn’t likely next in line for a title shot. UFC insiders suggest Arman Tsarukyan is expected to face Topuria next — though the bout is not officially announced.
Even Dana White hinted Pimblett may need to beat someone like Justin Gaethje or Arman first to prove he’s ready for a title shot.
UFC 317 Recap:
