UFC light-weight champion Ilia Topuria’s first title protection could possibly be in opposition to her longtime rival after a social media submit went viral.
Ilia Topuria adopted up his assured speak with brutal motion by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 earlier this yr to win the then-vacant UFC light-weight belt. Topria vacated the UFC featherweight title earlier this yr to maneuver to light-weight full-time and has develop into one of many high names within the division.
Since Topuria gained the title, a number of names have been talked about because the champion’s first opponent, together with high contender Arman Tsarukian. Nevertheless, Tsarukyan is scheduled to face Dan Hooker in the primary occasion of subsequent month’s UFC Qatar in a possible No. 1 contender bout.
Until the winner of Tsarukyan vs. Hooker reverses rapidly, Topria’s subsequent opponent stays up within the air. However we might have gotten some solutions Friday, courtesy of one among Topuria’s longtime enemies.
Paddy Pimblett teases Ilya Topria for ‘not signing a contract’ for UFC title showdown
Not too long ago Instagram The submit appeared to trace that Paddy Pimblett had signed a deal to combat Topuria subsequent yr.
Mr Pimblett posted on Friday: “‘Paddy, why hasn’t he (hand sanitiser) signed a contract but?'”
As of this writing, there is no such thing as a substantial media reporting that Topuria vs. Pimblett is within the works for the following card. However UFC CEO Dana White not too long ago hinted that Topuria might headline the promotion’s first main card in 2026 when the published partnership with Paramount goes into impact in January.
Topria additionally has former light-weight champion Islam Makhachev in thoughts for a attainable subsequent combat. Makhachev will tackle UFC welterweight champion Jacques de la Maddalena in the primary occasion of UFC 322 subsequent month.
Topuria and Pimblett have lengthy had pressure with one another, beginning with the 2022 explosion on the Fighters Lodge at UFC London. The 2 lightweights had a heated duel contained in the cage at UFC 317, and the 2 appeared destined to collide.
As of this writing, Topuria has not responded to Pimblett’s submit, and his subsequent UFC light-weight title combat stays a thriller. Nevertheless, Pimblett appears assured that he’s within the UFC’s plans, and we must always hear extra details about a possible combat quickly.
