Ilia Topuria misplaced his light-weight title and his undefeated document 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 as a result of nook stoppage, Topuria was rapidly taken to the hospital, and experiences have confirmed that he has suffered a small orbital fracture, however the excellent news is that “El Matador” won’t require any surgical procedure.
Topuria has already issued a post-loss assertion by which he acknowledged in the long run that he desires to avenge his loss to Gaethje later this yr. However “The Spotlight” shouldn’t be a recreation to offer the 29-year-old a right away 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 motive 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 needed 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. Nevertheless, Pimblett was dropped quite a few instances 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 combating “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 dangerous blood between the 2, this has all of the makings of one of many greatest fights of the yr.
Pimblett is about to face Benoit Saint Denis subsequent month, and whatever the end result, 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 recreation than “El Matador” and he can deal with Topuria with ease and even perhaps 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 good sense. It will be a traditional striker-vs-grappler matchup that includes two of one of the best lightweights on this 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 among the most harmful knockout artists within the sport.
A matchup towards Topuria can be an exciting striker-vs-striker contest and will simply turn into probably the most thrilling stand-up battles.
Lastly, Max Holloway, who is about 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 grew to become the primary man to knock him out.
If “Blessed” will get previous “The Infamous” in spectacular style, it will 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 turn into a actuality, and Holloway will lastly get an opportunity to “get one again.”
