The tension between Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria has officially boiled over again — this time during a backstage run-in that ended with a shove heard around the MMA world. But according to “The Baddy,” there was more bark than bite behind Topuria’s aggression.

Paddy Pimblett sends Ilia Topuria an ominous message ahead of UFC 317  lightweight title shot

“He felt weak,” Pimblett said in a post-incident interview. “Like, I’m serious — man shoved me, and I didn’t feel nothin’. He’s all show. No power.”

El eterno rival de Topuria ataca de nuevo tras su victoria en el UFC 314:  «Es más enano que Chandler y le haré lo mismo»

🔥 The Incident: A Boiling Rivalry Reignites

The altercation reportedly occurred backstage at a UFC media event where both fighters were present. Words were exchanged — loud ones — and Topuria got in Pimblett’s face before giving him a hard two-handed shove. Security quickly stepped in, but not before cameras and phones captured the moment, which quickly went viral.

Ilia Topuria shoves Paddy Pimblett after calling him out at #UFC317 | ESPN  MMA - YouTube

This isn’t the first time the two have clashed. Their feud dates back to 2022, when they exchanged insults online and nearly came to blows in a London hotel lobby. UFC fans have been calling for a fight between the two ever since — and this recent incident just added more fuel to that fire.

Since Khabib-McGregor'… Paddy Pimblett compares potential Ilia Topuria  grudge match to the biggest fight in UFC history

🗣️ Pimblett Doubles Down

Speaking to reporters shortly after the altercation, Pimblett didn’t hold back:

“If that’s his best shot, I’ve got nothing to worry about. He’s emotional, reckless — easy work for me.”

Paddy Pimblett: „Maleńki” Ilia Topuria chce być McGregorem, ale ma charyzmę  jak puszka fasoli - InTheCage.pl

Paddy also questioned Topuria’s toughness, suggesting that the Georgian-Spanish fighter only acts aggressive when security is nearby.

“He pushes people when there’s ten guys in between. Tell him to sign the contract, and let’s see what happens in the cage.”

Paddy Pimblett pewny zwycięstwa nad Topurią: „Wiem, że bym go pokonał” -  InTheCage.pl

🤐 Topuria: Silent But Dangerous

Interestingly, Ilia Topuria has not officially responded to the altercation or Pimblett’s comments. However, his camp reportedly said he is “not interested in clown fights” and is focused on chasing a lightweight title shot after his brutal knockout win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.

Ilia Topuria y Paddy Pimblett cruzan amenazas por una posible pelea en UFC

Many fans believe Topuria has now outgrown the rivalry, considering his rise through the rankings and current championship aspirations.

But the UFC has been known to capitalize on personal beef, and the buzz around Topuria vs. Pimblett has once again gone nuclear.

Paddy Pimblett Confronts Ilia Topuria With Serious Allegations on  Lightweight Move – “He Ran From 145” - EssentiallySports

🧠 Fight Hype or Real Hate?

While some critics call the feud “manufactured drama,” others believe there is genuine bad blood between the two — stemming from cultural insults, online jabs, and years of brewing animosity.

He has the audacity to call me fat" - Paddy Pimblett blasts Ilia Topuria  for "stupid" move up to lightweight, says he ran from Alexander Volkanovski

Paddy has questioned Ilia’s toughness.

Ilia once called Paddy a “disrespectful little clown.”

Both have said they’d “gladly fight for free” — if the UFC ever books it.

Despite the weight class difference (Paddy at 155, Ilia moving between 145 and 155), the rivalry feels very real — and very marketable.

Dan Hooker gets brutally honest about Ilia Topuria potentially moving up to  lightweight: "Line one of McGregor's playbook"

🎤 Final Thoughts

Paddy Pimblett says Ilia Topuria “felt weak” after their latest physical altercation — but the footage tells a different story: two rising UFC stars, both with undefeated auras, locked in a bitter feud that fans can’t stop watching.

Will the UFC cash in on the chaos?
Will Ilia respond in the cage — or walk away toward a title?

One thing’s certain: this story is far from over.