Paddy Pimblett Eyes Coaching Spot Opposite Ilia Topuria

The UFC lightweight hopes to face rival Ilia Topuria as a coach on an upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts

Paddy Pimblett Eyes Coaching Spot Opposite Ilia Topuria

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Would you like to see professional fighters compete as coaches on reality television before their bouts?

Paddy Pimblett is lobbying for a spot to coach against long-time rival Ilia Topuria on a new season of the UFC reality series The Ultimate Fighter. UFC CEO Dana White has expressed interest in the potential season, which Pimblett hopes would facilitate a period of sustained mental games.

Why it matters

A season coached by the two fighters would capitalize on an intense rivalry that began in 2022. Pimblett believes the reality show environment would allow him to disrupt Topuria psychologically before they eventually meet in the octagon.

Pimblett proposed a six-week duration for the coaching stint. Topuria is currently recovering from a fourth-round TKO loss to Justin Gaethje sustained in June 2026.

The players

Paddy Pimblett

He is a prominent UFC lightweight fighter known for his energetic fighting style and public presence.

Ilia Topuria

He is a highly ranked mixed martial artist who has been in a long-standing rivalry with Paddy Pimblett.

Dana White

He serves as the CEO of the UFC and is responsible for making major organizational decisions including fight bookings.

Justin Gaethje

He is a top-tier UFC lightweight who recently defeated Ilia Topuria by TKO.

The details

Pimblett claims that Topuria is too intimidated by his trash talk to sign on for the show, which would likely film at the UFC Apex. The proposed match-up stems from a heated 2022 hotel altercation in London and follows Topuria’s medical clearance in September 2026.

2022: Pimblett and Topuria had a hotel altercation.
June 2026: Topuria lost to Gaethje via fourth-round TKO.
September 2026: Topuria received medical clearance.
February 2027: Topuria is planning his return to competition.

Season Trajectory

The proposal follows the historical pattern of utilizing The Ultimate Fighter coaching rivalries to build anticipation for high-stakes pay-per-view matchups. This move could redefine the division's landscape while Topuria seeks redemption after his loss to Justin Gaethje.

If the fight is booked, the potential matchup provides a direct test for Topuria after his recent loss and subsequent medical clearance. Fans should monitor potential scheduling updates for the TUF taping and Topuria's confirmed return to competition in early 2027.

The takeaway

Pimblett aims to use the reality show format as a strategic psychological weapon rather than just a promotional vehicle for a fight. Readers should note that organizational decisions regarding scheduling remain fluid as Topuria targets a February return.