Pimblett predicts Topuria will struggle to regain his previous form after his first professional defeat. The Englishman says losses early in his own career strengthened him mentally, while “El Matador” must navigate that experience in his prime on the sport’s biggest stage.
Paddy Pimblett doubts Ilia Topuria will recover mentally from first MMA defeat to Justin Gaethje
Topuria lost the lightweight championship to Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 in June when his corner stopped the bout after four rounds. Pimblett, a longtime rival of the Georgian-Spanish fighter, believes the defeat at the White House will permanently affect him.
Speaking to All Out Fighting, the former Cage Warriors champion acknowledged Topuria’s skills but maintained that he would beat him.
“I respect him; he’s a very good fighter, but he’s never fought anyone like me,” Pimblett said. “I’m too big and too long for him, and I’ll show him that when I beat him up. A little bit of damaged goods. You know, he’s never lost before, so I don’t think he’ll ever be the same when he comes back.”
Pimblett then reflected on his own losses and the mental toll of defeat.
“I lost my first fight when I was 18, and I had to build myself back up, and then I had to do it again when I was 22, 23,” Pimblett added. “He’s never lost before, and he’s about 27 or something. So, his whole aura was unbeatable and this and that. Now he’s been beat; that’s in his head, and I’ll prove that if I end up fighting him next.”