Topuria’s Possible Lightweight Hit List

Ilia Topuria isn’t fazed about who he faces next if he wins the lightweight title at UFC 317.

Topuria is set to face Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC Lightweight Title. Islam Makhachev will officially vacate the belt as soon as the fight begins. Topuria moved up from featherweight, where he was the champion with one successful title defense—a knockout win over Max Holloway. Topuria is undefeated with a 16-0 record with six knockouts and eight submissions. Topuria is confident he can finish Oliveira and isn’t concerned about who his next opponent might be.

“I have no idea. I will be there on 28 June. First it was going to be Islam, then it was Charles. If Charles falls it would be Arman. The result for everyone will be the same. I’m going to win. The camp is going super well. I have brought sparring partners from different parts of the world. I’m going to collect what I’ve earned with my work,” Topuria said

Options

This naturally raises questions about who he could face later down the line. Paddy Pimblett is a name that has been mentioned. They infamously fired verbal shots at each other following Pimblett’s controversial comments about Georgia in response to the Russia’s attack. Meanwhile, Pimblett is also one of the rising stars in the division. He is coming off wins against Bobby Green and Michael Chandler. 

As for Arman Tsarukyan, he is one of the leading contenders in the division. He secured a lightweight title shot against Islam Makhachev. However, he had to pull out of the fight due to injury. His latest win was against Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, making him a credible opponent. There are also possibilities of facing the likes of Justin Gaethje or even moving up to welterweight to challenge Islam if he can secure a belt in that weight class. Topuria will position himself for the biggest fights if he can gets past Oliveira.