UFC has considered the fight schedule: the epic showdown between Topuria and Pimblett this year.

The UFC lightweight and featherweight divisions are brimming with talent, but one rivalry has stolen the spotlight in recent months: Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett. Now, reports are surfacing that the UFC is seriously considering making this highly anticipated showdown a reality before the year ends. If confirmed, this bout will be one of the most electrifying and polarizing fights of 2025.

With Ilia Topuria’s meteoric rise as the featherweight champion and Paddy Pimblett’s status as one of the UFC’s most marketable stars, the storyline writes itself. But is the fight happening purely for business, or is there unfinished personal business driving this showdown?

The Heated Rivalry That Fans Can’t Ignore

The bad blood between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett began long before either man was headlining UFC cards. Their infamous backstage scuffle at UFC London 2022 laid the foundation for what has become one of the UFC’s most talked-about rivalries. What began as a war of words over national pride and disrespect quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. Though the two never squared off inside the Octagon, their feud has simmered beneath the surface for years.

Both men have since climbed the ranks of their respective divisions, with Topuria capturing the featherweight crown after a stunning knockout of Alexander Volkanovski, and Pimblett continuing his unbeaten UFC streak while building a massive global fan base.

Now, the UFC sees the perfect opportunity to capitalize on this long-standing feud. According to multiple reports, UFC matchmakers are finalizing the fight schedule to feature Topuria vs. Pimblett as a main event in late 2025—likely on a blockbuster European card.

Why This Fight Makes Business Sense

From a promotional standpoint, Topuria vs. Pimblett is a marketer’s dream:

• Topuria brings an entire nation of Spanish and Georgian fans who have long awaited a UFC superstar of their own.

• Pimblett commands an enormous UK fan base, frequently selling out arenas in London and Liverpool.

• The storyline is compelling: a grudge match between two of Europe’s most explosive fighters, each looking to settle unfinished business.

Add to this the fact that both men are young, polarizing personalities with social media followings in the millions, and you have the recipe for one of the UFC’s biggest non-title fights in years.

Will It Be at Lightweight or Featherweight?

The biggest logistical question remains: what weight class will they fight in?

• Ilia Topuria currently holds the UFC featherweight title but has openly discussed moving up to lightweight for select fights.

• Paddy Pimblett fights at lightweight and has made it clear that he has no intention of cutting to 145 pounds.

The likely scenario is a non-title lightweight bout, giving Topuria the freedom to settle the score without putting his featherweight belt on the line. This would allow both fighters to compete at their natural weight classes and maximize their performance.

Topuria’s Confidence: “I Will Finish Him in One Round”

Ilia Topuria has never lacked confidence, and in the lead-up to this potential fight, he’s made one thing clear:

“I only need one round to finish Paddy Pimblett. His skills aren’t at my level. I’ll expose him for what he is: hype without substance.”

Those are harsh words, but Topuria has the record to back them up. Undefeated in his MMA career, he’s finished most of his opponents with ruthless efficiency. His striking is sharp, his ground game is elite, and his fight IQ has grown rapidly with each appearance.

If the fight materializes, expect Topuria to come out aggressive, looking for a quick finish.

Pimblett: More Than Just Hype?

Despite criticism of his fighting style and recent performances, Paddy Pimblett remains undefeated in the UFC. His submission skills and ability to fight through adversity have served him well. But questions about his defense, striking fundamentals, and cardio persist.

In his most recent outings, Pimblett struggled against tougher competition, most notably in a controversial decision win over Jared Gordon. Critics argue that Topuria’s elite striking and grappling could overwhelm Pimblett quickly.

But Pimblett isn’t fazed. In response to Topuria’s trash talk, Pimblett fired back:

“Let him talk. He’s a midget with a big mouth. He knows what happens if he steps in there with me. I’ll shut him up once and for all.”

It’s classic Pimblett—confident, brash, and unapologetic. Whether he can back up that talk against a dangerous finisher like Topuria remains to be seen.

Potential Date and Location

The most likely scenario for this fight is a late 2025 European pay-per-view card. Early reports suggest:

• Possible locations include Madrid, Barcelona, or London.

• November or December are the target months, aligning with the UFC’s end-of-year schedule.

• The fight could either headline a Fight Night card or co-main event a numbered pay-per-view.

A Spain vs. UK showdown in Europe would generate massive local interest and likely sell out any arena.

What’s at Stake for Both Fighters

For Ilia Topuria, this fight is more about pride than rankings. He doesn’t need a win over Pimblett to validate his career, but he wants to silence his rival and eliminate any lingering doubts.

For Paddy Pimblett, it’s career-defining. A win over a reigning UFC champion—even in a non-title bout—would catapult him into legitimate contention and shut down critics who say he’s just a hype machine.

Conversely, a loss for Pimblett would confirm what many analysts suspect: that he’s not ready for the sport’s elite.

UFC’s Long-Term Plans

The UFC has been carefully cultivating its European market. With stars like Tom Aspinall, Molly McCann, and Leon Edwards headlining events, Europe is becoming a critical growth area. A Topuria vs. Pimblett main event would continue that expansion, potentially setting the stage for regular PPV events in Spain and the UK.

It would also give the UFC another lucrative rivalry to market, similar to McGregor vs. Diaz or Adesanya vs. Pereira.

What the Experts Are Saying

UFC analysts have been weighing in on the matchup:

• Daniel Cormier: “If this fight happens, Topuria is a heavy favorite. Paddy’s got heart, but this is a whole different level.”

• Michael Bisping: “It’s a brilliant fight for Europe. The trash talk alone will sell it. But Pimblett needs the performance of his life to win.”

• Laura Sanko: “This is pure entertainment. From a technical standpoint, Topuria has the edge, but you never count Paddy out when the lights are bright.”

Fan Reactions: A Divided Audience

Social media reactions to the potential bout have been mixed:

• Some fans argue that Pimblett hasn’t earned a fight with a reigning champion.

• Others point out that the UFC has a history of making entertaining fights, regardless of rankings.

One fan posted on Twitter:

“Forget the belts. This is personal. Topuria vs. Pimblett sells out Wembley or Madrid in hours.”

Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch Clash of Styles and Personalities

If the fight happens this year, it will be one of the most talked-about events on the UFC calendar. Whether it’s a quick finish as Topuria predicts or a chaotic brawl that Pimblett thrives in, fans win either way.

While the rankings may not demand this fight, the storyline, rivalry, and entertainment value do.

The Bottom Line: UFC May Have Just Booked Its Next Blockbuster

Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett is more than a fight—it’s a grudge match years in the making. Whether it ends in one round or goes the distance, it will answer a question fans have debated since 2022: who truly is the king of Europe’s new MMA generation?

And if the reports are true, we won’t have to wait much longer to find out.