Ilia Topuria Declares War: “I’ll Finish Makhachev and Pimblett in One Night”

Ilia Topuria, the undefeated UFC lightweight champion, isn’t just running the division — he’s daring it to keep up.

Fresh off a devastating three-fight knockout streak that left legends Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira unconscious, El Matador now has his sights set on two of the biggest names in the sport: Islam Makhachev and Paddy Pimblett — and he wants both on the same night.

“If it were up to me, next Saturday we’d have UFC Spain. [I’d fight] against Makhachev in the first round, and Paddy in the second,” Topuria boldly told MARCA.

🥊 The Next-Level Ambition

Ilia Topuria says if it were up to him, he’d fight Islam Makhachev and Paddy Pimblett in the same night 😳

“If it were up to me, next Saturday we’d have UFC Spain. Against Makhachev in the first round, and against Paddy in the second.”

🎥 @KOlmeneroMMA pic.twitter.com/DIJOY4r5el

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 4, 2025

Topuria’s confidence isn’t just hype. At 155 pounds, he’s proven to be one of the most dangerous finishers in UFC history. Now, with Makhachev shifting to welterweight, Topuria still welcomes a clash — anytime, any weight. As for Pimblett, the bad blood runs deep, dating back to heated exchanges and a near altercation after UFC 317.

“I’m not here to wait. I’m here to dominate,” Topuria said.

🇪🇸 UFC Spain Incoming?

With a loyal Spanish fanbase and a champion finally able to headline, UFC Spain feels closer than ever — and Topuria plans to make it must-see history.

Whether it’s Islam, Paddy, or both — Topuria’s message is clear:
No one is safe.