Paddy Pimblett is all in on the idea of coaching opposite longtime rival Ilia Topuria on a future season of The Ultimate Fighter.
The possibility was raised at the UFC 332 post-fight press conference Saturday, when UFC President Dana White was asked about the prospect of Pimblett and Topuria serving as opposing coaches on the UFC's long-running reality series.
"That would definitely be a good one," White said.
Pimblett subsequently made it clear that he would welcome the opportunity.
In a video posted to his social media accounts, the Liverpool native said he would "love" to do The Ultimate Fighter with Topuria, while recalling a previous suggestion from Renato Moicano.
“I’d love to do The Ultimate Fighter. I remember a couple of years ago, (Renato) Moicano saying (he wanted) to do The Ultimate Fighter with me, that would have been great television, but now I’d love to do The Ultimate Fighter with Ilia Topuria.
“I would have his head in the shed for six weeks. He wouldn’t know where to look, he wouldn’t know what to say. I’d have him feeling awkward constantly. Me and Ilia would bring the ratings back to The Ultimate Fighter like Season 10 with Rampage (Jackson) and Rashad (Evans).
“So yeah, if you’re going to do a season of The Ultimate Fighter and you’s want coaches that are actually still fighting (because the last few haven’t), do me vs. Ilia and we’ll bring The Ultimate Fighter back. It’ll be a reincarnation.”
Pimblett and Topuria have developed one of the UFC's most recognizable rivalries, with the two fighters repeatedly trading verbal jabs despite never having faced each other inside the Octagon.
A season featuring the pair would also follow a format that has historically generated significant attention for the UFC, with fighters serving as opposing coaches before potentially settling their rivalry in the cage.
For Pimblett, however, the entertainment value would be just as important as the competition.
"I would have his head in the shed for six weeks," he said, promising to make Topuria uncomfortable throughout the filming process.
Whether the UFC ultimately makes Pimblett vs. Topuria the next Ultimate Fighter coaching matchup remains to be seen, but White's initial response and Pimblett's enthusiastic endorsement have already put the idea firmly on the table.
