The initial title defense for UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria might involve a longstanding rival, following a widely shared social media update.
Ilia Topuria transformed his confident statements into impactful reality by defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 earlier in the year, claiming the then-available UFC lightweight title. Topuria previously relinquished his UFC featherweight title to fully commit to the lightweight division, where he showcased dominance against a prominent figure.
Since Topuria’s championship victory, discussions have circulated regarding potential first challengers, including leading contender Arman Tsarukyan. However, Tsarukyan is scheduled to compete against Dan Hooker in the main event at UFC Qatar next month, likely determining the top contender.
Unless the victor of the Tsarukyan versus Hooker match agrees to a swift follow-up bout, the identity of Topuria’s next opponent remains uncertain. Nevertheless, a possible answer emerged on Friday, courtesy of one of Topuria’s longtime competitors.
Paddy Pimblett suggests Ilia Topuria hasn’t ‘signed the contract’ for a UFC title match
In a recent Instagram message, Paddy Pimblett seemed to imply his agreement to fight Topuria in the coming year.
“‘Paddy, why hasn’t [hand sanitizer boy] signed the contract yet?’” Pimblett communicated on Friday.
Currently, no substantial media reports confirm the development of a Topuria versus Pimblett fight for an upcoming event. Nevertheless, UFC CEO Dana White recently hinted at Topuria potentially headlining the promotion’s inaugural major event of 2026, coinciding with the start of the Paramount+ broadcasting partnership in January.
Topuria is also considering Islam Makhachev, the lightweight division’s former champion, as a possible future opponent. Makhachev will challenge UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena in the main event at UFC 322 next month.
Topuria and Pimblett have had a tense relationship for several years, originating from an altercation at a UFC London fighter hotel in 2022. The two lightweights engaged in a heated confrontation in the cage at UFC 317, suggesting a future showdown between them.
Topuria has not yet responded to Pimblett’s post, and the next UFC lightweight title fight is still unconfirmed. However, Pimblett appears confident in the UFC’s plans for him, and further details about a potential fight should emerge soon.
