Ilia Topuria aims to fight Islam Makhachev next, but if that’s not possible, he wants to settle a score with Paddy Pimblett, while considering various options including a potential new “pound-for-pound” title.
Ilia Topuria’s got his eyes set on a big fight. Ideally, he’d face Islam Makhachev next. But if that doesn’t pan out, “El Matador” is ready to settle an old score.
Currently, the lightweight champ hasn’t locked in his first title defense. Makhachev, fresh off becoming the welterweight champ by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, is the target.
Topuria has options, though. Arman Tsarukyan is a top contender after his impressive win over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar. Still, if Makhachev’s unavailable, Topuria’s thinking Paddy Pimblett.
“I have Paddy on my mind,” Topuria told Álvaro Colmenero. He’s keen on a fight with Paddy if moving up to welterweight for Islam isn’t an option. Ideally, he’d love a shot at Islam in a third weight class. Maybe one more fight, and then summer could open up new opportunities.
Topuria’s UFC journey has been nothing short of spectacular. His recent three-fight streak is legendary. He knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to grab the featherweight title at UFC 298, then stopped Max Holloway at UFC 308, his sole 145-pound title defense.
After vacating the featherweight title to chase Makhachev, he knocked out Charles Oliveira in June, claiming the lightweight crown. If the UFC hesitates on a full welterweight move, Topuria’s got a backup plan.
“Maybe they’ll create a new belt called the pound-for-pound title at a catchweight,” he mused. “I’ll fight for that. Plenty of options. Let’s see what the future holds.”
In other news, Tsarukyan had something to say about Topuria’s comments on X. Stay tuned!