Paddy Pimblett’s Teammate Shem Rock Offers ‘Good Luck’ to Ilia Topuria While Analyzing Potential Matchup

Paddy Pimblett has consistently voiced his ambition to challenge the UFC`s lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria. Their paths notably crossed earlier this year at UFC 317, shortly after `El Matador` Topuria was crowned the new 155-pound titleholder. Both fighters have only stepped into the Octagon once in 2025, and with the UFC 323 card set for December, this limited activity is expected to continue. UFC President Dana White recently suggested that Topuria might fight in January, potentially inaugurating the promotion`s new deal with Paramount. As speculation mounts regarding Pimblett as a possible opponent for Topuria, a close associate of `The Baddy` has shared his perspective on the prospective bout.

Shem Rock Believes Ilia Topuria Would Rather Avoid Paddy Pimblett`s Unique Strengths

Shem Rock, Pimblett`s teammate, indicated that Ilia Topuria might find Paddy Pimblett`s specific fighting style and attributes less than ideal to confront. While a January clash for Topuria against Justin Gaethje has also been discussed, many observers consider a fight against Paddy Pimblett to be the more significant and high-profile event. Interestingly, Pimblett recently ascended in the UFC`s lightweight rankings despite not having competed since April.

In a recent interview, Shem Rock, a teammate of the prominent UFC star, revealed that while no official announcement has been made, `The Baddy` appears to be in intensive preparation.

“I know Paddy is actively in the gym, sparring twice a week. He’s training incredibly hard, lifting weights twice weekly, and receiving regular massages. He`s clearly training with a specific goal in mind, so I fully expect to see him fight. However, the exact details – who, where, when, and why – remain questions that only `The Baddy` can answer.”

Rock, who himself recently signed with the UFC and is preparing for his debut, acknowledged that a bout featuring Pimblett would generate immense interest for Topuria. Nevertheless, he suggested that the matchup itself might not be favorable for the champion from a stylistic standpoint.

“The qualities that Paddy brings to the cage are precisely what I believe Topuria, and perhaps even Arman Tsarukyan, would prefer not to encounter.”

Rock elaborated that Topuria seems to struggle against fighters who aim to make fights “ugly” and exploit grappling opportunities—areas where his teammate, Pimblett, excels.

“I think when you step in to fight a guy like Paddy, you`re going to need a lot of luck. He possesses incredible durability, is physically massive, and immensely strong. When you stand before him, his physical presence is truly imposing. He has a way of feeling much larger than his actual size, and if he gets on top of you, it’s guaranteed to be a very long and challenging night.”

He concluded:

“Obviously, I`m biased and believe Paddy would emerge victorious. But setting aside my bias, as a pure fan of the sport, it`s a fight I would genuinely love to witness regardless of the outcome.”

Shem Rock Finds Amusement in How Paddy Pimblett Is Overlooked Due to His Appearance

Shem Rock expressed his amusement at how often Paddy Pimblett is underestimated, largely due to his less conventional appearance. While Ilia Topuria would likely enter a fight against Pimblett as a significant favorite, given his impressive recent victories, this wouldn`t be the first time `The Baddy` has been counted out. Having spent extensive time training with Pimblett, Rock appreciates how the UFC lightweight`s demeanor causes many to misjudge his true capabilities.

“Everyone seems to be against him. Everyone doubts you, no one places bets on your success, yet every single time, you step into that arena and consistently surprise them. As he often says, they keep moving the goalposts for him. That, for me, is the real beauty of MMA. This guy, with his longer hair, doesn’t physically resemble a terrifying figure like Francis Ngannou.

“Brother, this is precisely what I adore about this sport. If you were to see Paddy walking casually down the street, your immediate reaction wouldn’t be, ‘Oh my god, look at him, he’s an MMA fighter.’ If you didn’t already know, you simply wouldn`t know—and that`s the wonderful charm of it.”