Ilia Topuria is expressing uncertainty about whether Paddy Pimblett will be his next opponent.
For the first time since 2022, the undisputed lightweight division has a new champion: Ilia Topuria. The undefeated Spanish fighter extended his professional record to 17-0 and claimed his second world title with a spectacular knockout victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
During Topuria`s post-fight interview, the UFC presented three potential opponents for `El Matador`: Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje, and his heated rival, Paddy Pimblett.
While Topuria mentioned Tsarukyan, UFC commentator Joe Rogan appeared to believe he was referring to Pimblett. This led to Pimblett being brought into the octagon for a face-off with the new champion, which concluded with a shove.
Subsequently, UFC CEO Dana White clarified that this face-off was not sanctioned, unlike others seen during the event. White explicitly stated that Topuria vs. Pimblett was not the intended next fight.
Ilia Topuria Believes Pimblett Likely Needs Another Win Post-UFC 317 Face-off
Topuria quickly became aware of White`s apparent disapproval regarding the impromptu confrontation with Pimblett.
At the post-fight press conference, Topuria admitted that facing Pimblett was the fight he personally wanted most. However, in a separate interview, `El Matador` acknowledged that despite significant fan interest, the bout with Pimblett might not be his immediate next step.
“That`s the fight that I think everyone wants to see,” Topuria commented on the potential Pimblett matchup during an appearance on `About Last Fight`.
“Maybe that`s not the fight that I`m gonna get in my next fight.”
He added, “But, hopefully, he`s gonna get a fight. He`s gonna get a win, and finally, we have that fight.”
“A fight where two fighters really wanna fight with each other…”
Prior to securing the lightweight title at UFC 317, Topuria had previously suggested that both Arman Tsarukyan and Paddy Pimblett needed to earn one more victory to solidify their claims for a title shot.
Currently ranked #8 in the division, Pimblett`s resume against ranked opponents includes wins over Michael Chandler and Jim Miller.
Ilia Topuria Expresses Little Interest in Facing Justin Gaethje Next
Justin Gaethje appears to be a less probable contender for the next lightweight title challenge.
The former BMF champion, who has won three of his last four bouts, had previously issued a retirement threat if he wasn`t granted a fight against the winner of the Topuria vs. Oliveira contest.
Dana White responded to this by suggesting that Gaethje might indeed consider retiring if he planned to make such “whacky” ultimatums.
Regarding Topuria`s stance, while he had shown some interest in fighting Gaethje just a few days prior, his current view has shifted.
“Fighting Justin Gaethje, I don’t think that’s gonna be something exciting for the fans,” Topuria told ESPN MMA.
“We need new blood in the division, we need new faces, new guys that come hungrier than the guys that we used to see in the past like Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira or the other guys.”
Topuria explained, “I want to bring new faces to the game.”
Gaethje, aged 36, holds an 0-2 record in undisputed title fights and is noted as coming off a second win over top contender Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313.
UFC analyst Din Thomas commented that Gaethje represented a “more exciting” potential fight for Topuria but likely missed out on the title opportunity following his severe knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300 the previous year.
