Yesterday, Real Madrid succumbed to Liverpool at Anfield by 1-0, in what was their first defeat of the season in the Champions League. Xabi Alonso's side were overwhelmed at times by the Reds' onslaught, and if it were not for Courtois, the result could have been even worse. In the stadium was Paddy Pimblett, arch-enemy of Ilia Topuria, and after the match he uploaded a post to Instagram where he decided to provoke 'El Matador' to celebrate his team's victory and further heat up a possible clash between the two in 2026.

Pimblett is a 'scouser' and a fan of the Merseyside outfit from a young age. Topuria, on the other hand, is a Real Madrid fan, although 'The Baddy' has the theory that he really does it for pure marketing, as he says that Ilia does not like football. On the occasion of the defeat of the Los Blancos, he wrote an incendiary message through his social networks, accompanied by some photos where he was seen with Steven Gerrard, Liverpool legend and former captain.

I can't wait to bully you in the octagon like the Reds just did to "your team"

Paddy Pimblett, en Instagram

"I finally got to meet Mr. Liverpool, one of our own and Steven Gerrard, my absolute hero growing up who gave everything to the club. No sign of Ilia Topuria. Where were you tonight? I thought you were a Real Madrid fan. I can't wait to bully you in the octagon like the Reds just did to 'your team' for 90 minutes," he wrote.

This is another of many provocations by Paddy to Topuria, with the aim of finally closing a clash between the two in 2026. The English fighter is the best placed to be Ilia's rival in his first defense of the lightweight belt, but there is still nothing signed. A few weeks ago, Pimblett uploaded a post to Instagram saying that why Ilia had not signed the contract yet, and on this occasion he has used soccer to continue knocking on the door of the Spanish-Georgian fighter.

No rival, no date

Despite rumors that Topuria could headline the first numbered card of 2026, there are still doubts about it. For the moment, 'El Matador' is focused on helping his brother Aleksandre in his camp for UFC Qatar on November 22, where he will face Bekzat Almakhan. From there, he and his team will have to assess with the promoter what date is suitable for his return.

It should be noted that next year a new contract begins with Paramount, for which the UFC will receive 7.7 billion euros over seven years, hence the desire for the first numbered card to be headlined by one of its superstars. Initially, Topuria and Khamzat Chimaev were the most likely candidates, but now there is also the possibility that the rematch between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title will take place at that event.

If 'El Matador' is part of UFC 324, it is most likely that his opponent will be Paddy, hence the 'scouser' is doing everything possible to get the champion's attention. However, if Topuria's return is delayed until March or April, Arman Tsarukyan would be a strong contender to jump the queue. That is, as long as he beats Dan Hooker in the main event at UFC Qatar. The three will meet there, as Topuria will corner Aleksandre, Paddy will corner Luke Riley and Arman will headline the card. Therefore, this event may be key for the not too distant future.