The UFC faces a pressing need to organize what could become one of the most significant events in the promotion`s history.
Earlier this year, Ilia Topuria cemented his path towards becoming the premier star in combat sports by securing the lightweight championship with a knockout victory over Charles Oliveira.
This impressive win propelled “El Matador” to the top of the pound-for-pound rankings, surpassing notable fighters like Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev.
Maintaining an undefeated record, the Spaniard is poised to be recognized as one of the greatest fighters of all time, a distinction his long-standing rival has already bestowed upon him.
UFC Must Expedite Topuria’s Next Title Defense
For many years, the lightweight division has stood as one of, if not the strongest division in the sport.
It has seen reigns by legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, and is now dominated by the fan-favorite champion, Ilia Topuria.
The division’s consistent excitement is largely due to its deep roster of compelling contenders.
Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and the aforementioned Oliveira have maintained their elite status for years, becoming some of the sport`s most beloved figures.
However, an eccentric British fighter has now entered the division’s top eight, enjoying the fervent support of an entire nation of enthusiastic English fans.
Since joining the UFC, Paddy Pimblett has quickly ascended to stardom within the promotion, thanks to his charismatic personality and thrilling fight style.
Adding to the intrigue is the genuine and palpable animosity between Pimblett and Topuria.
Their mutual dislike is so intense that they even attempted to fight each other in the fighter hotel prior to UFC London, where they were both competing on the same card.
Following Topuria’s title victory at UFC 317, he and Pimblett had a staredown in the Octagon`s center, offering fans a glimpse of what a potential fight between them might entail.
Despite this confrontation, the prevailing opinion suggests that “The Baddy” currently does not merit a title shot.
While there are valid arguments supporting this view, especially given his single ranked victory, Pimblett might benefit from being in the right place at the right time.
Last Wednesday, UFC President Dana White announced a seemingly illogical lightweight main event bout between Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker.
Tsarukyan should undoubtedly be the next in line for a title shot, but White appears to be penalizing him for withdrawing from the UFC 311 main event with only 24 hours` notice.
Therefore, if White intends to keep “Ahalkalakets” out of the title picture, he must swiftly move to arrange Topuria vs. Pimblett.
Their rivalry is at its zenith, and any further delay by the UFC risks losing this fight entirely. Pimblett has demonstrated in his seven octagon appearances that he is fallible; matching him against a top-five opponent could easily result in a loss, thereby jeopardizing the opportunity for what would be a monumental showdown against Topuria.
Does Pimblett Stand a Chance Against Topuria?
If fans gleaned anything from Topuria’s face-off with Pimblett at UFC 317, it’s that “The Baddy” possesses a considerable size advantage over the champion.
“El Matador” is more naturally a featherweight, having spent the majority of his career competing at 145 lbs.
Pimblett, however, is notorious among the UFC fanbase for significantly gaining weight between fights and is likely more naturally a welterweight.
Nevertheless, Pimblett has shown in his recent bouts that his chin is susceptible to strikes, and if there`s one fighter you don`t want landing a shot on your chin, it`s certainly Topuria.
Ultimately, I do not believe the Brit holds a strong chance against Topuria, but now is the optimal moment for the promotion to arrange this fight; otherwise, they risk missing out on it completely.
Neville Whittle