The lightweight division has always been UFC’s most brutal battlefield. Every fighter dreams of wearing that golden belt around their waist. But getting there is where things get messy, complicated, and downright ugly sometimes.Ilia Topuria knows this game better than most people. <\/p>
The Georgian-Spanish fighter already conquered the featherweight division by dethroning legends like Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. Now he’s setting his sights on lightweight gold, facing Charles Oliveira at UFC<\/a> 317. But Topuria isn’t just thinking about winning his next fight. He’s already planning his first title defense, and he has some strong opinions about how his potential opponent should earn that shot.<\/p> Topuria and Paddy Pimblett share some serious history. These two got into a physical altercation years ago before a UFC event in London. Since then, their relationship has been sour. The tension between them has only grown stronger over time, creating the perfect storm for what could be an absolutely massive fight.<\/p> Pimblett recently demolished Michael Chandler. That victory put the Liverpool native right back in the conversation for big fights. But according to Topuria, Pimblett needs to take a specific path if he wants to guarantee himself a title shot. <\/p> “If he wants to assure his title, he has to fight with Justin Gaethje. Because if he fights with Arman [Tsarukyan], I think Arman’s going to beat him. So the easiest path he has to get the title shot is Justin. Stylistically,”<\/em><\/strong> Topuria said during UFC 317 media day. <\/p>Ilia Topuria Reveals Perfect Opponent For Paddy Pimblett<\/h2>