Ilia Topuria expects to turn out to be the brand new light-weight champion at UFC 317, and he’s already plotting out potential matchups for his future.
The previous featherweight king, who makes his second look at 155 kilos on Saturday when he faces Charles Oliveira in the primary occasion, acknowledges that the largest combat accessible to him in all probability revolves round a showdown in opposition to Paddy Pimblett. These two got into a physical altercation several years ago forward of a UFC occasion in London, and the unhealthy blood between them has solely grown since then.
That’s why Topuria has already referred to as for Pimblett to function his first title protection as champion, and he even laid out a plan for the all the time outspoken Brit to earn that chance.
“If he desires to guarantee his title, he has to combat with Justin Gaethje,” Topuria mentioned throughout UFC 317 media day on Wednesday. “As a result of if he fights with Arman [Tsarukyan], I believe Arman’s going to beat him. So the simplest path he has to get the title shot is Justin. Stylistically.”
Arman Tsarukyan is weighing in because the backup for the UFC 317 predominant occasion, and he’s had his personal confrontation with Topuria within the lead-up to this card. Again in January, Tsarukyan was scheduled to face then-champion Islam Makhachev, however a again damage compelled him off the cardboard on the final minute.
Since then, UFC CEO Dana White has remained adamant that Tsarukyan must get a win earlier than he receives one other alternative on the title, however he hasn’t been rebooked for the reason that Makhachev combat fell aside.
In the meantime, Gaethje has said he plans to wait for the winner of Topuria vs. Oliveira, so combating Pimblett may not curiosity him a lot.
A lot to Gaethje’s chagrin, it’s Pimblett who has Topuria’s consideration after he only in the near past demolished one-time title challenger Michael Chandler. Add to that, the disdain shared between Topuria and Pimblett has all of the makings for a blockbuster combat between them.
“That combat simply may very well be one of many largest within the UFC historical past,” Topuria mentioned a couple of potential matchup with Pimblett. “Pay attention, I don’t [take anything] private on this sport. It’s all skilled.”
Earlier than he can begin planning for the longer term, Topuria first must get previous Oliveira within the UFC 317 predominant occasion.
Topuria already predicted that he expects to march Oliveira down within the octagon and put him away identical to he’s completed to different legends of the game, reminiscent of Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.
After listening to these feedback, Oliveira promised to make use of an analogous technique, and Topuria welcomes that sport plan from the previous champion.
“Bear in mind, that is what he’s going to attempt to do,” Topuria mentioned about Oliveira. “That’s not one thing he’s going to do. He’s going to attempt to do it. He’s going to attempt to win. After all. In no way [surprised he said that], that’s his job, he needs to be assured.”
