Ilia Topuria Favored to Beat Paddy Pimblett in Gaethje’s 97% Call

**Ilia Topuria** entered the spotlight on July 10 2026 when UFC veteran Justin Gaethje said he believes Topuria will beat Paddy Pimblett 97 times out of 100. Gaethje’s bold forecast came during his appearance on *UFC on Paramount+*, where he compared the two lightweight contenders ahead of a possible future clash.

Gaethje praised Topuria as “one of the best in the world” and “more dangerous than Paddy.” He described the British fighter’s style as “goofy” but effective, noting that unconventional angles can confuse opponents. Gaethje concluded, “In my mind, 97 out of 100 times, Ilia beats him up.” The comments were made while discussing Gaethje’s recent bout with Topuria at UFC 324, where Topuria earned a decisive win.

Topuria sits at #2 in the lightweight rankings, just behind champion Islam Makhachev. A victory over a fan‑favorite like Pimblett would cement his claim as the next challenger. Gaethje’s endorsement adds weight because the former champion has faced both men-defeating Topuria and losing a five‑round war to Pimblett at UFC 324 in January. His perspective hints at how the division’s power dynamics could shift if the two meet.

Pimblett is slated to return at UFC 329 on July 13 2026, taking on #5‑ranked contender Benoît Saint‑Denis in the co‑main event. A win would thrust him back into the lightweight title conversation and set the stage for a Topuria showdown. Gaethje warned that a loss would likely stall any immediate fight with either Topuria or himself, leaving the British fighter to rebuild.

Topuria’s next official fight remains unannounced, but the buzz around a potential Topuria‑Pimblett bout is growing. Promoters may use Gaethje’s 97% confidence as a marketing hook, especially if Pimblett wins at UFC 329. Meanwhile, Topuria continues training at his Georgia‑based camp, focusing on sharpening his striking and grappling to stay ready for any opponent the UFC lines up.

Social media lit up after Gaethje’s comments, with many fans backing Topuria’s technical prowess while others defend Pimblett’s unpredictable style. Betting lines have already shifted, reflecting the heightened interest in a possible matchup. The conversation underscores how a single prediction can reshape fan expectations and influence promotional decisions.

The lightweight division’s narrative is heating up, and Gaethje’s 97‑percent claim puts Ilia Topuria at the center of the next big storyline. Whether the fight materializes or not, the prediction has already added a new layer of intrigue to the road toward the UFC lightweight crown.