“We’d Be More Worried About Fighting Islam Than Topuria,” Says Lightweight Contender’s Coach

Paddy Pimblett’s Team Dismisses Fear Factor Around Ilia Topuria Ahead of Potential Showdown

Paul Rimmer, head coach at Next Generation MMA Liverpool, isn’t losing sleep over a potential clash between Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria in fact, he says there’s a far tougher matchup out there: Islam Makhachev.

In a new interview with Submission Radio, Rimmer broke down why facing the former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev would have posed more technical threats than Ilia Topuria, despite the latter’s recent domination of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.

“If we were offered Ilia or Islam, I’d be more worried about the Islam fight,” Rimmer said. “He’s undefeated, experienced, and has faced much stronger lightweights. That’s the guy you fear in the division.”

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Topuria Is Dangerous, But Not Unbeatable

Rimmer admitted that Ilia Topuria is a legitimate threat, especially with his knockout power and pressure, but believes Topuria’s recent run came against past-their-prime champions.

“He’s not knocking out guys who haven’t already been knocked out,” Rimmer said, referencing Ilia’s finishes over Max Holloway, Alexander Volkanovski, and Charles Oliveira.

While Topuria has surged to No. 1 in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings, Rimmer says Pimblett’s style, size, and improvements have been underestimated by the public — and possibly by Topuria himself.

“Please Underestimate Paddy”

According to Rimmer, Paddy Pimblett has quietly transformed into a stronger, more dangerous lightweight, thanks to work behind the scenes with striking coach Ellis Hampson.

“His distance management is completely different now. He hits harder. And he’s stronger than people realize,” said Rimmer.

“People will come in to spar or fight him thinking they’ll dominate — and they’re shocked when they can’t do anything to him.”

Rimmer also noted that fans and analysts often reduce Pimblett’s game to vague statements, such as “Ilia will knock him out” or “Paddy will outgrapple him,” without understanding the actual technical matchup.

Fight Prep Began Long Before UFC 317

Pimblett’s team says they’ve been preparing for Topuria for some time, ever since Ilia announced plans to move up to lightweight.

And they were not surprised by the way Charles Oliveira approached the UFC 317 bout they’ve already begun pulling lessons from it.

“We learned a lot from that fight. Charles showed you what not to do,” said Rimmer.

“And we’ve already used lessons from Oliveira’s fight with Chandler to beat Chandler.”

A Stadium Showdown by Year’s End?

Pimblett is expected to be ready before the end of 2025, and Rimmer hopes the UFC gives this fight the platform it deserves maybe even in a stadium in the UK or Spain.

“We want the UFC to promote it properly. This is a massive fight. Two unbeaten streaks.

Bad blood. Real tension,” Rimmer said. “Paddy’s going to make his face a bloody mess.”