Ilya Topria was brutally dismantled by 37-year-old Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 this previous weekend, dropping his light-weight title and undefeated document.
After dropping by TKO within the fourth spherical through nook stoppage, Topuria was instantly rushed to the hospital the place it was confirmed that he had sustained a small orbital fracture, however the excellent news is that ‘El Matador’ is not going to require surgical procedure.
Topria has already launched a press release after the loss, by which he lastly stated he hopes to avenge Gaethje later this yr. However “The Spotlight” isn’t a combat that may give the 29-year-old a rematch any time quickly.
So, listed here are three potential opponents for Ilya Topria, who just lately misplaced her title, in her comeback combat.
1) Paddy Pimblett vs. Ilia Topuria
The strained relationship between Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria is the primary motive why “The Buddy” made it to the highest of the checklist. The Englishman and the Georgian-Spanish have hated one another because the starting of their UFC careers, and the promotion had hoped to have them face off in 2026.
All of the Brit needed to do to make this blockbuster showdown a actuality was defeat Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 to win the interim 155-pound title. Nonetheless, Pimblett was dropped and dismembered a number of occasions by Gaethje, and misplaced by unanimous choice.
After Pimblett was dog-walked by Justin Gaethje, Topuria publicly mocked him. Now, following Topuria’s loss final weekend, Pimblett had the proper alternative to return the favor and ship a brutal blow to Topuria when Topuria withdrew from UFC Freedom 250 after a four-round combat on “The Spotlight.”
Paddy Pimblett boasts a granite chin and has confirmed time and time once more that ‘Scousers do not get knocked out’. This has the potential to be one of many greatest matches of the yr contemplating the unhealthy blood between the 2.
Pimblett is scheduled to face Benoit St. Denis subsequent month and might be booked towards Topuria whatever the end result. As a result of intense rivalry between the 2, this bout might simply be promoted because the No. 1 contender for the UFC light-weight title.
2) Arman Tsarukian vs. Ilya Topria
After Ilya Topria’s title loss, Arman Tsarukyan is much more assured that he has a greater floor sport than “El Matador” and might simply deal with Topria and presumably deliver him to his knees in the event that they lock horns.
If the Armenian does not subsequent compete in a title combat towards Gaethje, a showdown with Topuria might make good sense. This can be a traditional striker vs. grappler matchup, pitting two of the world’s finest lightweights of their primes.
3) Mauricio Luffy vs. Ilia Topuria or Max Holloway vs. “The Matador”
Brazilian Conor McGregor, aka Mauricio Ruffy, is presently primary after knocking out Michael Chandler in spherical considered one of UFC Freedom 250 final weekend. A powerful contender for the seventh place within the light-weight division.
Luffy proved why he is without doubt one of the most harmful knockout artists within the sport.
The matchup with Topuria can be an exhilarating battle of striker vs. striker, and has the potential to be probably the most thrilling stand-up battles of all time.
Lastly, Max Holloway, who’s scheduled for a rematch with Conor McGregor at UFC 329 subsequent month, 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” defeats “The Infamous” in spectacular trend, it could be the proper alternative for him to name out Pria for a rematch at light-weight. With “El Matador” now not holding the 155-pound title, a second matchup between the 2 might lastly change into a actuality, and Holloway will lastly get an opportunity to “take one again.”
