While still expressing admiration for Charles Oliveira, Paddy Pimblett voiced considerable surprise and criticism regarding the former lightweight champion`s strategy in his recent fight against Ilia Topuria at UFC 317.
The bout concluded swiftly when Oliveira engaged in a close-range exchange, resulting in Topuria landing a potent right hook followed by a left hand that ended the contest. Despite acknowledging Topuria`s well-known finishing power, Pimblett found Oliveira`s approach perplexing.
Speaking on the Verse Us podcast, Pimblett commented, “I thought if Charles could get him to the later rounds, it might have been different.” He added, frustration evident, “I really like Charles, but what the f*ck was that game plan, lad? Just stand in front of him and get punched in the face.”
Pimblett continued to question the tactical choices. “I`d love to know what their game plan was. Because that was half embarrassing.” He expressed disbelief at Oliveira`s decision to stand and trade punches with a “top class boxer” who possesses significant power, especially given Oliveira`s extensive experience. Pimblett felt Oliveira fought “like an amateur” despite it being his 47th professional fight.
Early in the first round, Oliveira did manage to secure a brief takedown, but Topuria quickly scrambled back to his feet, nullifying the grappling advantage.
What most puzzled Pimblett was Oliveira`s apparent failure to utilize other tools at his disposal, such as kicks or persistent grappling, which could have potentially troubled the shorter and smaller Topuria.
“The first 20 seconds, he did [kick him] a little bit,” Pimblett observed. “Teeped him, leg kicked him, I was thinking… we could be in for a tough night for Topuria.” However, he noted Oliveira soon abandoned this approach and began simply trading punches. Pimblett also mentioned noticing Oliveira appeared nervous during his walkout, a contrast to Topuria`s confident smile, suggesting it might have played a role.
While critical of the strategy, Pimblett acknowledged that Oliveira`s long and challenging career, filled with numerous tough fights, might have contributed to the outcome against Topuria.
However, Pimblett was quick to assert that his own situation is different and promised a vastly different approach and result should he get the opportunity to face Topuria next.
“That`s the thing, he`s got loads of damage,” Pimblett said about Oliveira, contrasting it with his own record. “I`ve never had a fight like that… Never took a sustained amount of damage in my life.” He expressed confidence in his durability, stating Topuria wouldn`t be able to knock him out and that he would “laugh in his face” even if hit by Topuria`s best punch.
Immediately following the UFC 317 main event, Pimblett entered the cage for a faceoff with Topuria, a moment that highlighted their existing rivalry and fueled anticipation for a potential future clash.
Pimblett later revealed he currently weighs around 195 pounds, emphasizing the significant size advantage he holds over Topuria. He stated he always knew he would be much bigger if they ever fought.
He believes this size difference will be a major factor in his favor and reiterated that his game plan against Topuria would be significantly different from the one Oliveira employed.
“I`ve said this before,” Pimblett stated, addressing doubters who believe Topuria would easily defeat him. “People just think he`d steamroll me, but it`s different when there`s that much size difference… People think I`m not good enough… but lad, he`s a midget.”
He concluded by quoting his words to Topuria during the faceoff: “I will finish you, little boy.” Pimblett stressed the height and width disparity, using it to explain the importance of weight cutting in combat sports.
