Why Tom Aspinall says Paddy Pimblett would have a 'chance' against 'superstar' Ilia Topuria if they face off in UFC

Ilia Topuria beat Charles Oliveira to become a two-weight UFC champion and could now target a belt at a third weight. Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall says Topuria is a "superstar" and "can beat anybody" around the weight he is competing at. Aspinall has also given his view on Paddy Pimblett's chances against Topuria if they do meet in the Octagon.

Tom Aspinall thinks "absolute superstar" Ilia Topuria is "so special" that he could become the UFC’s first three-weight champion - but has explained why Paddy Pimblett would have a "chance" against him.

Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira in his latest fight to win the lightweight title and become a two-division champion.

That was Topuria’s 17th successive victory and there is speculation about whether he could step up again to welterweight in the future.

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The welterweight title is in the hands of Jack Della Maddalena who is expected to face Islam Makhachev later in the year.

Topuria could face the winner of that in a tantalising clash.

"I can absolutely believe that he [Topuria] can win three belts," heavyweight champion Aspinall told TNT Sports.

Topuria calls out and then shoves Pimblett in tense face to face - 'Look at me'

Video credit: TNT Sports

"Jack Della is on great form and has a big fight coming up with Islam Makhachev but I think Ilia Topura is just special. I think he can beat anybody around those weights - lightweight, welterweight and featherweight.

"I think he might be the biggest star in the UFC right now.

"I was there live [at his last fight] so I got to feel the energy in that place and that guy is an absolute superstar."

Topuria was joined in the Octagon after his win over Oliveira by Britain’s Pimblett.

Pimblett has said a fight against Topuria is the biggest fight the UFC can make.

But how would the 10th-ranked lightweight Pimblett fare against the unbeaten Topuria?

"It’s a tough fight for Paddy," said Aspinall.

• Topuria wants Pimblett next
• Pimblett on Topuria: I hate him

"But he has a bit of a weird style where it’s hard for guys to prepare for him, so I think he has definitely got a chance. That being said, Ilia is almost unbeatable right now.

"Nobody is unbeatable of course, but he is on incredible form at the moment."

Aspinall was recently upgraded to undisputed heavyweight champion following Jon Jones’ retirement.

Aspinall has not fought since defending the interim title against Curtis Blaydes last summer but has hinted at a return to the Octagon soon.

"Meetings have been done and I now have a fight," he said this month.

"We've got a date, we've got an opponent to work towards.

"I'd like to do four [fights] in the next 12 months.

"If you look at the top 10, I have beaten six of them. My goal is to beat 10 of the top 10. I wanna beat all 10."

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