Should he notch the biggest win of his career at UFC Vegas 107, one of the lightweight division’s most in-form prospects is dreaming of fighting Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett.
Pimblett and Topuria’s heated feud could soon take center stage at 155 pounds, as the former UFC featherweight champion gears up for his permanent move up from 145 pounds.
The two charismatic personalities have clashed for years, with social media remarks sparking a near-brawl between Pimblett and Topuria in London.
But before attention turns to the next title fight in the weight class, the upcoming UFC Vegas 107 event at the Apex provides a chance for one charging lightweight to make a splash.
And he fully intends to do so en route to future showdowns with ‘The Baddy’ and ‘El Matador’.
Ludovit Klein plans to pursue Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett after breakout performance at UFC Vegas 107
Among the most notable matchups set for the May 31 card is a surprise bout for Mateusz Gamrot.
Despite sitting inside the top 10 and holding a win over top contender Arman Tsarukyan, the Polish fighter has been matched with Ludovit Klein, who is outside the rankings.
The booking presents a huge moment in the career of the Slovakian 30-year-old, who has earned his first shot at the top 15 amid a seven-fight unbeaten run.
Klein spoke of his anticipation to make the most of the opportunity ahead of him while speaking to E. Spencer Kyte for UFC.com, before putting his sights on two of the division’s biggest stars.
“Finally, with this kind of fight I can show everybody what I’m capable of,” Klein said. “I’m excited to show all the world that I deserve to be in the top 15, top 10.
“There are a lot of good names for me. … When I beat Mateusz Gamrot, I think I will be one or two fights away from going for the belt,” Klein added. “I want to fight with Paddy Pimblett; I’ve wanted that for a long time…but the name I’m looking for is Ilia Topuria.”
Ilia Topuria could be in everyone’s crosshairs after UFC 317
Suffice to say, Klein certainly won’t be alone in targeting Topuria should the result go a certain way at International Fight Week in late June.
Topuria is set to fight Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title in the main event of UFC 317.
The pair are colliding after confirmation that champion Islam Makhachev is relinquishing the 155-pound throne ahead of a move up to welterweight.
Should Topuria make good on his status as favorite leading into the pay-per-view by stalling Oliveira’s push for a second lightweight reign, the division’s attention will no doubt be fully on the Spaniard.