UFC 314: Paddy Pimblett's Top Three Fights - Ilia Topuria Leads The List

Natalie Brooks

4 min read

Post on May 16, 2025

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No. 1: Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett – A Clash of Styles

This fight, headlining UFC Fight Night 225, instantly cemented itself as one of the most significant in Pimblett's career, despite the outcome. The clash between Pimblett's aggressive, swarming style and Topuria's precise, calculated approach provided a masterclass in contrasting MMA strategies.

The Fight Breakdown:

This wasn't just a fight; it was a strategic chess match played out in the Octagon. Topuria's superior striking precision and calculated game plan proved too much for Pimblett to overcome.

• Topuria's Dominance: Topuria consistently landed significant strikes, utilizing his superior reach and accuracy to control the distance and dictate the pace. His precise counter-striking neutralized Pimblett's attempts to close the distance.
• Pimblett's Resilience: Despite facing a significant challenge, Pimblett displayed his renowned toughness and never gave up, showcasing his heart and determination even when clearly outmatched. He absorbed considerable punishment but continued to press forward.
• Strategic Significance: The fight highlighted the areas where Pimblett needs to improve to compete at the highest levels of the featherweight division. The loss exposed weaknesses in his striking defense and highlighted the need for a more refined approach.
• Fight Statistics: While precise statistics vary across sources, Topuria significantly outlanded Pimblett in significant strikes. Topuria's takedown defense was also exemplary, negating Pimblett's attempts to grapple.

[Embed YouTube video link to Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett fight highlights here]

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No. 2: Jordan Leavitt vs. Paddy Pimblett – A Showcase of Submission Skills

This fight, at UFC Fight Night 204, showcased Pimblett's devastating submission skills and secured him a significant win early in his UFC career.

The Fight Breakdown:

This bout highlighted Pimblett's grappling prowess and ability to finish fights decisively.

• The Rear-Naked Choke: Pimblett secured a dominant position, showcasing excellent control and transitioned seamlessly to a fight-ending rear-naked choke.
• Pre-Fight Hype: While not as highly anticipated as the Topuria fight, this bout still generated considerable buzz among fans eager to see Pimblett's potential.
• Memorable Moments: The swift and decisive nature of the submission made this a memorable moment in Pimblett's career, solidifying his status as a rising star.
• Fight Statistics: Pimblett secured the submission victory in the second round, demonstrating his improvement in ground control and finishing ability.

[Embed YouTube video link to Jordan Leavitt vs. Paddy Pimblett fight highlights here]

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No. 3: Kazula Vargas vs. Paddy Pimblett – The Breakout Performance

Pimblett's UFC debut against Kazula Vargas at UFC Fight Night 191 wasn't just a victory; it was a breakout performance that catapulted him into the spotlight.

The Fight Breakdown:

This fight wasn't necessarily a technical masterpiece, but it was pivotal in establishing Pimblett's popularity and brand within the UFC.

• Exceeding Expectations: While many fans were curious about Pimblett, few predicted the explosive first-round knockout.
• Impact on Popularity: The win, combined with Pimblett's charismatic personality, immediately thrust him into the consciousness of casual and hardcore MMA fans alike.
• Post-Fight Interviews: Pimblett's memorable post-fight interviews, full of confidence and charisma, only added to his growing popularity.
• Fight Statistics: A first-round knockout always makes an impact, and this win showcased Pimblett's power and finishing ability, setting the tone for his future fights.

[Embed YouTube video link to Kazula Vargas vs. Paddy Pimblett fight highlights here]

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Conclusion

These three fights represent the pinnacle of Paddy Pimblett's UFC career to date. While his loss to Ilia Topuria remains a significant setback, it highlights the areas where he needs improvement. However, the Jordan Leavitt fight demonstrates his submission prowess, and the Kazula Vargas fight served as his undeniable breakout moment. The Ilia Topuria fight, despite the loss, stands out as the most strategically important and impactful match, revealing the challenges he faces at the elite level. Which Paddy Pimblett fight do you think is his best? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let the debate about Paddy Pimblett's top fights continue!

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