Ilia Topuria misplaced his light-weight title and his undefeated file this previous weekend at UFC Freedom 250, the place he was brutally dismantled by the 37-year-old Justin Gaethje.
After the Spherical 4 TKO loss attributable to nook stoppage, Topuria was shortly taken to the hospital, and studies have confirmed that he has suffered a small orbital fracture, however the excellent news is that “El Matador” is not going to require any surgical procedure.
Topuria has already issued a post-loss statement wherein he acknowledged ultimately that he desires to avenge his loss to Gaethje later this 12 months. However “The Spotlight” is not a game to give the 29-year-old an immediate rematch.
So listed below are 3 opponents Ilia Topuria may face in his return bout after his current title loss.
1) Paddy Pimblett vs. Ilia Topuria
Paddy Pimblett’s and Ilia Topuria’s strained relationship is the principle cause why “The Baddy” tops the listing. The Brit and the Georgian-Spaniard have disliked one another for the reason that inception of their UFC careers, and the promotion wished them to lock horns in 2026.
All of the Brit needed to do to make this blockbuster showdown a actuality was to beat Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 and seize the interim 155-pound title. Nonetheless, Pimblett was dropped quite a few occasions by Gaethje, had his face dismantled, and misplaced by unanimous determination.
After Pimblett was dogwalked by Justin Gaethje, Topuria mocked him publicly. Now, following Topuria’s defeat this previous weekend, Pimblett had the proper alternative to return the favor and take a brutal shot at Topuria as soon as the latter give up at UFC Freedom 250 after preventing “The Spotlight” for 4 rounds.
Paddy Pimblett boasts a granite chin and has confirmed it time and time once more that “Scousers don’t get knocked out.” Given the unhealthy blood between the 2, this has all of the makings of one of many largest fights of the 12 months.
Pimblett is ready to face Benoit Saint Denis subsequent month, and whatever the consequence, a matchup towards Topuria may nonetheless be booked. With their heated rivalry, the struggle may simply be promoted as a No. 1 contender bout for the UFC light-weight title.
2) Arman Tsarukyan vs. Ilia Topuria
After Ilia Topuria’s title loss, Arman Tsarukyan is much more assured that he has a greater floor sport than “El Matador” and he can deal with Topuria with ease and maybe even submit him in the event that they ever lock horns.
If the Armenian doesn’t get a title struggle towards Gaethje subsequent, a showdown with Topuria may make excellent sense. It could be a traditional striker-vs-grappler matchup that includes two of one of the best lightweights on the planet, each competing of their prime years.
3) Mauricio Ruffy vs. Ilia Topuria or Max Holloway vs. “El Matador”
The Brazilian Conor McGregor, Mauricio Ruffy, knocked out Michael Chandler in Spherical 1 this previous weekend at UFC Freedom 250 and is now the no. 7-ranked light-weight contender.
Ruffy has confirmed why he is without doubt one of the most harmful knockout artists within the sport.
A matchup towards Topuria can be an exhilarating striker-vs-striker contest and will simply develop into one of the vital thrilling stand-up battles.
Lastly, Max Holloway, who is ready to run it again with Conor McGregor subsequent month at UFC 329, has beforehand known as for a rematch with Ilia Topuria after the latter turned the primary man to knock him out.
If “Blessed” will get previous “The Infamous” in spectacular trend, it might be the proper alternative for him to name out Topuria for a rematch at light-weight. With “El Matador” not holding the 155-pound title, a second assembly between the 2 may lastly develop into a actuality, and Holloway will finally get a chance to “get one again.”
