Overview
- Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria exchanged insults in Doha ahead of UFC Qatar, with Topuria calling Pimblett a profanity and Pimblett replying, “Come on chorizo, calm down,” in a clip shared by journalist Álvaro Colmenero.
- UFC staff intervened and maintained distance between the rivals, who were in Qatar to corner teammates rather than compete.
- No bout between the two is signed, and reports continue to link Justin Gaethje and Arman Tsarukyan as alternative options for Topuria’s first title defense.
- Pimblett has publicly pressed for the matchup, citing a “built-in storyline,” while a recent claim by Colby Covington that Pimblett suffered organ failure from weight cuts remains unverified.
- Separately, Topuria’s brother Aleksandre defeated Bekzat Almakhan by unanimous decision on the prelims (30-27, 30-27, 29-28), adding momentum to the champion’s camp.