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 on account of nook stoppage, Topuria was shortly taken to the hospital, and reviews 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 wherein he acknowledged ultimately that he needs to avenge his loss to Gaethje later this 12 months. However “The Spotlight” shouldn’t be a sport to offer the 29-year-old a direct rematch.
So listed below are 3 opponents Ilia Topuria may face in his return bout after his latest title loss.
1) Paddy Pimblett vs. Ilia Topuria
Paddy Pimblett’s and Ilia Topuria’s strained relationship is the primary purpose why “The Baddy” tops the listing. The Brit and the Georgian-Spaniard have disliked one another because the 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 resolution.
After Pimblett was dogwalked by Justin Gaethje, Topuria mocked him publicly. Now, following Topuria’s defeat this previous weekend, Pimblett had the right alternative to return the favor and take a brutal shot at Topuria as soon as the latter stop 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 dangerous 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 in opposition to Topuria may nonetheless be booked. With their heated rivalry, the combat 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 even perhaps submit him in the event that they ever lock horns.
If the Armenian doesn’t get a title combat in opposition to Gaethje subsequent, a showdown with Topuria may make good sense. It could be a traditional striker-vs-grappler matchup that includes two of the perfect lightweights on the earth, 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 in opposition to Topuria could be an exhilarating striker-vs-striker contest and will simply develop into probably the most thrilling stand-up battles.
Lastly, Max Holloway, who is ready to run it again with Conor McGregor subsequent month at UFC 329, has beforehand referred to 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 trend, it could be the right 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 lastly get an opportunity to “get one again.”
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