Overview
- Pimblett told interviewer Eze Obasi on Monday that the UFC has not approached him about a fight with Ilia Topuria and that no formal talks or offers have taken place.
- The December pairing began circulating after coach Tim Welch relayed rumors the match was being targeted, but the promotion has not confirmed any booking.
- Pimblett is coming off a 52‑second choke win over Benoit Saint Denis and said he hopes to fight again in December if the UFC schedules him.
- The two men share a heated rivalry dating to 2022, including a London incident in which Pimblett threw a bottle of hand sanitizer, which helps explain why the matchup draws strong public interest.
- Topuria lost to Justin Gaethje in June, shifting the lightweight picture, and whichever opponent the UFC picks for Pimblett could affect title trajectories and immediate contender matchups.