UFC Faces Pressure as Ilia Topuria’s Next Opponent Narrowed to 3 Possibilities

At the center of it all is Arman Tsarukyan. The 28-year-old Armenian is the division’s No. 1 contender and served as backup for UFC 317’s main event. With a grinding grappling style and a recent win over Oliveira at UFC 300, logic says Tsarukyan should be next. One fan even put it bluntly: 'Anyone who doesn’t say Arman is literally insane.' But as we’ve learned—nothing is guaranteed.

Enter Justin Gaethje. The 36-year-old former interim champ, currently ranked No. 3, isn’t staying quiet. He recently bounced back in his rematch with Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313, securing a key victory that reminded fans why he's still a major threat in the division. 

That said, not everyone agrees—one fan dismissed the idea entirely, saying: 'Gaethje shouldn’t even be considered.' His manager, Ali Abdelaziz, recently claimed that Gaethje might retire if he doesn’t get the next shot, citing disrespect after being passed over in favor of Oliveira.

Then there's the wildcard: Paddy Pimblett. The 30-year-old, ranked No. 8 and fresh off a high-profile victory over Michael Chandler, the undefeated British star brings massive attention and has history with Topuria. 

The two have exchanged heated words in the past, and Topuria has expressed interest in making the fight happen. 'He’s a hypocrite… I hate him. … If I could choose a fight, I would fight him because I hate him.' Quotes from both fighters have circulated online, adding fuel to the fire and hype to the potential. 

Many believe that Pimblett is the bigger money fight for the UFC, with mainstream appeal and massive fan engagement. One fan captured the fan-first sentiment perfectly: 'Don’t really care about “deserves”. Put the Baddy in there!'

UFC President Dana White and his team have their hands completely full. With three compelling candidates and rising tension, the next move is critical. But one thing is certain—whatever direction they go, Ilia Topuria’s next fight is guaranteed to be must-see TV.