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UFC lightweight contender slams the promotion for considering making Ilia Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Jamie Theodosi | Last updated Jul 31, 2025 4:21 PM ET

The UFC lightweight division is in somewhat of a weird position at the moment with there being several contenders who feel deserving of the next title shot.

Last month, Ilia Topuria once again shocked the world when he knocked former champion Charles Oliveira out cold in the UFC 317 main event to become the new lightweight champion.

Immediately after the fight, controversy was caused when Paddy Pimblett stormed into the cage for an impromptu face off with Topuria, put together by Joe Rogan.

Despite the fact that Topuria and Pimblett faced off, UFC boss Dana White expressed a dislike for the situation, hinting that ‘The Baddy’ might not be next for ‘El Matador’.

Dan Hooker has slammed the UFC for considering Topuria vs Pimblett

Although White expressed a dislike for the face off, there is still potential that the Spaniard’s first title defense could come against Pimblett, which hasn’t sat well with several contenders.

One of which is Dan Hooker, who has been attempting to set up a fight with Arman Tsarukyan, who many believe to be the deserved number one contender.

‘The Hangman’ recently admitted that he isn’t interested in a fight against Pimblett, and has slammed the UFC for even considering making a fight between the Brit and Topuria.

“The funny thing is, they might actually do Paddy (next for Topuria) which is an absolute p— take if he fights (Michael) Chandler and then gets a title shot, it’s an absolute p— take,” Hooker told Sky Sports.

In his last outing at UFC 314 this past April, Pimblett pulled off his most impressive win to date when he utterly dominated Michael Chandler. Despite that, the win only moved him to rank nine and it was only the second ranked opponent he has beaten.

“Who cares at the end of the day, he’s not gonna hold the belt for long. If you were in Ilia’s shoes logically he should be fighting Arman, but he’s not going to because Arman’s a really tough fight.

“If I’m sitting there with the title and I’m getting PPV points and I have to fight Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett, I would take the hardest guy but if you’re smart, you take Paddy Pimblett.

“You’re gonna get the most money because there’s a lot of animosity, the most money and the worst fighter, so it’s a win-win situation for Topuria,” Hooker continued.

Dan Hooker turned down UFC Perth opportunity as his relationship with the UFC takes a hit

Hooker is currently riding a three fight win streak and is firmly in the title conversation at 155lbs, especially with another impressive win.

Despite that, the Kiwi has turned down the opportunity to fight at UFC Perth in September after the promotion took away his UFC 317 tickets to watch his teammate fight.

Since that situation, Hooker has admitted that his relationship with the UFC is on the rocks, highlighting everything he has done for the promotion to this point.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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