Pimblett Predicts He'd Finish Topuria As Fast As McGregor KO'd Aldo

Paddy Pimblett says he would flatten Ilia Topuria in the same time it took Conor McGregor to knock out Jose Aldo.

Pimblett, coming off a 52-second submission of Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329, told Kolos MMA he would "beat him just as fast as McGregor beat Aldo" if the two ever fought. That 13-second finish at UFC 194 remains one of the most iconic moments in MMA history, crowning McGregor as featherweight champion and launching him toward superstardom.

The Liverpudlian lightweight is waiting on champion Justin Gaethje to pick his next opponent from a pool that includes former titleholder Arman Tsarukyan and Topuria, who lost to Gaethje at UFC White House in June. Whichever name Gaethje passes on could land opposite Pimblett, per MMA Fighting. Topuria has lobbied for a rematch, accusing Gaethje of loading his gloves in their first meeting. Pimblett dismissed the claim outright. "He's making excuses when he lost fair and square," he said.

Pimblett and Topuria faced off in the cage after the Georgian beat Charles Oliveira to capture the lightweight strap, but a bout was never finalized. Pimblett said he would prefer the Gaethje title shot but added that Topuria appeals most if belts were not on the line. He reserved harsher words for Tsarukyan, calling the top contender a rich kid who has had everything handed to him. Tsarukyan knocked out Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 to solidify his spot in the queue.

Pimblett said a season of The Ultimate Fighter against Topuria would let him get under the champion's skin before dispatching him quickly. Gaethje is expected to announce his decision in the coming weeks, with Pimblett positioned for a high-stakes matchup regardless of the direction the belt goes.