Top UFC light heavyweight Anthony Smith gave his opinion on a possible fight between Britain's Paddy Pimblett and Georgia's Ilia Topuria.
I like Paddy, I have no problem with him. But I think he makes a lot of mistakes. His chin is always up, no footwork...As soon as he runs into an opponent with knockout power who's not afraid to fight, he's going to have serious problems. If I were him, I'd avoid facing Topuria with all I have.
Anthony Smith on the MMA Hour show
Pimblett had his last fight on December 11 at UFC 282 against Jared Gordon. Paddy won that fight by unanimous decision of the judges. He has 20 wins and three losses on his record.
At the same tournament, Topuria defeated Bryce Mitchell by submission (arm triangle choke) in the second round. At UFC Fight Night 204 in March 2022, Ilia knocked out Jai Herbert in the second round. The 25-year-old Topuria has 13 wins and no losses on his record.