UFC star Paddy Pimblett had strong words for Charles Oliveira following his decisive knockout defeat to Ilia Topuria.
Ilia Topuria captured his second UFC championship belt by stopping Charles Oliveira in the first round of their main event bout at UFC 317. Topuria delivered a powerful right hook, followed by a left hand, resulting in a spectacular knockout as Oliveira fell to the canvas.
Topuria had previously claimed the vacant lightweight title after Islam Makhachev announced plans to move up to welterweight. Following the win over Oliveira, Topuria engaged in a heated faceoff with his long-standing rival, Paddy Pimblett, hinting at a potential future clash.
While Pimblett is clearly excited about the prospect of finally settling his rivalry with Topuria, he offered a sharp critique of Oliveira`s performance at UFC 317.
Paddy Pimblett Calls Charles Oliveira `Amateur` After UFC 317 Loss
Pimblett has previously spoken positively about Oliveira during their time in the lightweight division and even hinted at a future matchup. However, his respect for Oliveira`s accomplishments seems to have diminished after UFC 317.
Appearing on the Verse Us podcast, Pimblett expressed his frustration with Oliveira`s strategy.
“I really like Charles, but what the [expletive] was that gameplan?” Pimblett exclaimed. “Standing in front of him and getting punched in the face.”
He noted that Oliveira started well, using teeps and leg kicks in the opening seconds, which made him think it could be a tough night for Topuria. However, Pimblett felt Oliveira looked nervous during his walkout and questioned his approach in the cage.
“I’d like to know what the gameplan was. What are you doing just standing in the middle? It blew my mind how stupid he can be. It was his 47th pro fight, and he was going in there like an amateur.”
This loss marks Oliveira`s second straight defeat in a UFC title fight, following his loss to Islam Makhachev for the vacant belt at UFC 280. Before facing Topuria, Oliveira had rebounded with wins over Michael Chandler and Beneil Dariush to re-enter the title picture.
Oliveira appeared to accept the loss gracefully in his initial social media comments after UFC 317, but his performance has raised questions for many. He might compete again later this year, but is now likely several wins away from another lightweight title shot.
Pimblett vs. Gaethje Rumors Emerge After UFC 319 Leak
Regarding Pimblett`s next move, UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis recently generated buzz by claiming that Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje is set to be the co-main event for UFC 319 next month. This potential booking seems to contradict the idea of Pimblett immediately getting the next lightweight title shot after his faceoff with Topuria, although the UFC has not made any formal announcement yet.
Gaethje had previously suggested he might retire if he didn`t secure the next lightweight title opportunity. A victory over Pimblett would strongly position him for another title shot, potentially leapfrogging top contender Arman Tsarukyan.
UFC CEO Dana White remained non-committal about Topuria vs. Pimblett being the immediate next step for both fighters, which lends some credence to a potential UFC 319 matchup between Pimblett and Gaethje. We will have to wait and see if Du Plessis`s claim proves accurate.
