Paddy Pimblett says Ilia Topuria will not be the same after Gaethje loss

[Karen76]

Paddy Pimblett has given his view on Ilia Topuria's first professional defeat. Sherdog reports that the Liverpool fighter, speaking to All Out Fighting, said Topuria will not be the same fighter after losing to Justin Gaethje. He used the phrase damaged goods to describe his long time rival

Topuria, a former two division UFC champion, lost the lightweight title to Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 in June. His corner stopped the fight after four rounds. It was a shock result, because Topuria had built a reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport

Pimblett praised Topuria's ability, but argued that he had built an image of being unbeatable, and that the loss will now stay in his head. He compared it with his own career. Pimblett lost his first fight at 18 and had to rebuild, then had a similar setback in his early twenties, which he says made him tougher

The two have a long running rivalry, and Pimblett still believes he would beat Topuria if they ever fought. That is a bold claim, but Pimblett has always backed himself, and his confidence is part of what makes him popular

Whether Topuria bounces back is one of the big questions in the lightweight division. Plenty of great fighters have returned stronger after their first loss. Pimblett's view will certainly add fuel to their rivalry

Will Topuria come back as strong as before? And would you like to see Pimblett and Topuria finally fight?

Paddy Pimblett calls Ilia Topuriawww.sherdog.com