Paddy Pimblett’s instant reaction to Ilia Topuria’s UFC 317 KO sparks social media debate

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Paddy Pimblett’s live reaction to the biggest UFC 317 moment was caught on camera.

Paddy Pimblett was cageside for one of the biggest knockouts of 2025 — and his live reaction has fans split down the middle.

‘The Baddy’ was in the front row as a new lightweight champion was crowned in spectacular fashion.

Ilia Topuria realised his two-weight title ambitions with a violent first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.

In the aftermath, a clip of Pimblett grinning and rubbing his hands together during Topuria’s post-fight celebration quickly went viral.

A huge smile and a round of applause marked Paddy Pimblett’s live reaction to Ilia Topuria’s win

Paddy Pimblett’s jaw nearly hit the floor as he watched Ilia Topuria put Charles Oliveira away at UFC 317.

Just as the knockout occurred, Pimblett stood up in shock, his jaw practically falling open — before quickly switching to a wide grin.

He was then spotted rubbing his hands together, clearly excited by what had just unfolded.

Online, opinions were split: some thought Pimblett looked excited for a fight with Topuria, while others thought he appeared nervous.

“Paddy is ruthless,” one fan commented, while another wrote: “Looks scared to me.”

“Behind that smile is genuine fear,” a third person claimed.

Others were more light-hearted. “He’s not right in the head,” joked one fan, while another said: “Guy was licking his lips like he saw a cupcake.”

Another X user added: “Awful acting. Paddy looks terrified.”

• READ MORE: Dana White gives shocking response to Justin Gaethje’s ultimatum for title shot against Ilia Topuria

Security breaks up post-fight staredown

The long-running rivalry between Pimblett and Topuria took another turn when they clashed inside the Octagon after UFC 317.

Security had to step in when Topuria shoved Pimblett during a fiery exchange of words, preventing the situation from escalating further.

UFC CEO Dana White later made it clear he wasn’t happy that Pimblett got anywhere near the cage after Topuria’s win.

“Well, that’s not really what we do,” White said during his post-fight press conference. “I don’t give a s*** if it was fun to watch or not. That shouldn’t happen. It was a bad call by whoever the hell let them in there.”