

As UFC 317 draws closer, the buzz around Ilia Topuria’s highly anticipated bout with Charles Oliveira continues to grow. But amid the excitement, one rising star is sounding the alarm, Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett. The outspoken English fighter shared a blunt prediction about Topuria’s chances, citing a factor that’s often overlooked: size.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Pimblett acknowledged Topuria’s punching power and Oliveira’s history of getting dropped, but insisted the weight jump from featherweight (145 lbs) to lightweight (155 lbs) is more significant than fans might think. “That 10 pounds makes a big difference. People don’t understand that unless they’re in the sport,” he said.
Ilia Topuria manda otro mensaje a Islam Makhachev
“He might get a bit of a fright”
Pimblett emphasized the physical disparity Topuria will face on fight night. “Charles is like my height. Ilia is down here when I stand up,” he said, suggesting that Topuria may be surprised by Oliveira’s presence in the Octagon. He even reflected on his own career to drive the point home, recalling the shock on other fighters’ faces when they realized how large he was at lightweight.
Using past encounters with Bobby Green and Michael Chandler as examples, Pimblett explained, “They looked at me like, ‘He’s big, him.’ That’s what Ilia might feel when he sees Charles across from him.”
Topuria’s gamble echoes historic UFC moves
Topuria’s transition to a higher weight class places him among elite company. Fighters like Alexander Volkanovski,Max Holloway, and Conor McGregor have all made similar moves with mixed results. Volkanovski fell short twice against Islam Makhachev, while Holloway lost a war against Dustin Poirier. But McGregor made history, capturing the lightweight title in a dominant performance over Eddie Alvarez.
Topuria now has the chance to write his own legacy. After running through the featherweight division, “El Matador” seeks to add lightweight gold to his resume. But as Pimblett points out, the jump is not without its risks.
Will power overcome size?
UFC 317 will answer one of the year’s biggest questions: Can Ilia Topuria handle the physicality of the lightweight division and dethrone a veteran like Charles Oliveira? Or will Pimblett’s warning prove prophetic in Topuria’s toughest test yet?
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