Paddy Pimblett certainly made an impact during his short appearance at UFC 317.
The well-known English fighter was among the spectators to witness the crowning of a new lightweight champion on Saturday.
Pimblett observed from the front row as Ilia Topuria delivered a first-round knockout victory over Charles Oliveira at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Shortly after, ‘The Baddy’ entered the Octagon for an intense face-to-face confrontation with his long-standing UFC adversary.
Security Intervenes to Separate Fighters During Staredown
Pimblett acknowledged Topuria`s flawless victory but asserted that his own solid chin could never be broken.
The pair exchanged insults briefly before the situation threatened to escalate.
Topuria then pushed Pimblett, which led security to quickly intervene and prevent a potential physical altercation.
Fortunately, neither fighter took further action, and a full-blown brawl was just avoided.
Dana White Comments on the Post-Fight Incident
UFC CEO Dana White expressed displeasure that Pimblett was allowed into the Octagon following the UFC 317 main event.
During the post-fight press conference, the UFC CEO was questioned about a potential future matchup between the two 155-pound fighters.
“I don’t know who the hell let [Paddy] in there,” White stated in response.
“That should’ve never happened, let’s start there.”
“I was already back in my room or that would’ve never happened.”
Gareth Pendleton