Ilia Topuria stool auction foils Paddy Pimblett’s $14,000 troll bid

Ilia Topuria’s UFC Freedom 250 stool became a collector’s trophy-and a tool for trolling-after the Spaniard’s first career loss on 18 June.

What happened?

Paddy Pimblett claimed he spent nearly $14,000 to buy the red stool Topuria allegedly quit on during UFC Freedom 250’s historic White House lawn main event. The Brit took to social media to crow about the purchase, aiming to needle Topuria after the Georgian-Spaniard’s first defeat. But on Tuesday, a fan named Jessica shut him down with proof she was the real buyer.

Why the stool matters for Ilia Topuria

The stool’s auction skyrocketed to $5,000 within days of Topuria’s 18 June loss to Islam Makhachev. Fans saw it as a prized piece of UFC history tied to the Spaniard’s breakthrough moment. Pimblett’s attempt to weaponize the item only highlighted the intensity of their rivalry, which flared after they clashed at the fighter hotel during UFC London years ago.

The fallout for Paddy Pimblett

Jessica’s video showed her UFC Collectibles receipt, proving she outbid everyone to keep the stool out of Pimblett’s hands. She said she bought it to stop any fighter-especially Pimblett-from using it against Topuria. The Brit, fresh off a win over Benoit Saint-Denis, had leaned into mocking Topuria’s performance in the wake of the loss.

What comes next?

With Topuria off a loss and Pimblett riding a two-fight win streak, their long-simmering feud could finally land in the cage. The stool saga only adds fuel to a potential showdown that fans have clamored for since their heated London run-in.