Ilia Topuria’s lightweight future questioned by Paddy Pimblett

Paddy Pimblett said Ilia Topuria is not a natural lightweight, emphasizing his view that weight classes matter. In remarks to Spinnin Backfist, Pimblett called Topuria "a fat featherweight" and said a fight with him would send him back to 145 pounds. The comments follow Justin Gaethje's win over Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 last month and his interim title victory over Pimblett earlier this month. Topuria (17-1) defended the featherweight title once before moving up to lightweight. Pimblett (23-4) said he holds no animosity toward Gaethje and described the White House setting as "destiny." Pimblett meets Benoit St. Denis (17-3) at UFC 329 on July 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas; St. Denis is on a four-fight finishing streak.