Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) could “possibly” book Ilia Topuria’s first lightweight title defense atop the upcoming Paramount+ fight card following the end of the promotion’s ESPN deal early next
year. But UFC CEO Dana White is noncommittal on which 155-pound contender will get first crack at Topuria’s crown.
Top 10 contenders Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett are both at the top of the list, though it should be noted “The Highlight” is threatening to retire if he gets passed over in favor of “The Baddy.”
“I think the UFC is waiting to see what happens with Islam (Makhachev) and [Jack Della Maddalena],” Gaethje’s manager Ali Abdelaziz told Submission Radio. “Also, I think the UFC is waiting to see what happens with Arman (Tsarukyan) and (Dan) Hooker. But I’m telling you this: Justin Gaethje never breaks his word.”
“If [Gaethje] gets jumped by Paddy, he will retire [from competition] and he will never fight again in the UFC,” Abdelaziz continued. “Justin Gaethje keeps giving the UFC favor after favor after favor. What has Paddy Pimblett done for the UFC to deserve a [title] shot over Justin Gaethje?”
Former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev vacated the 155-pound title to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight strap at UFC 322 in just a few weeks. In addition, No. 2-ranked lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan is battling Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar later this month.
“Arman has to be next because this guy is deserving,” Makhachev told ESPN. “He made a mistake when he was supposed to fight me but he’s still number one in the division and he has to fight for the title. Maybe Arman, maybe Gaethje, but not Paddy. Paddy beat who? Tony Ferguson … who else did he beat? (Michael) Chandler, everybody beat Chandler. He can do some things but honestly, it’s not a big challenge for Topuria.”
Pimblett doesn’t agree.
“I’d absolutely smash his face in for him,” Pimblett told James Sweetnam. “I can see me beating him anywhere the fight goes to be honest. People put him on a pedestal now, they think he’s this big amazing thing, when I’ll bring him crashing back down to earth in a big way.”
Expect UFC matchmakers to make their decision by the end of the month.
