Ilia Topuria is confident that he will leave UFC 317 with the lightweight gold wrapped around his waist.
When the undefeated star was asked about what could be next for him following his upcoming clash with Charles Oliveira, Topuria shut down matchups against two of the top fighters in the division.
While a fight between Topuria and Paddy Pimblett would be huge, ‘El Matador’ believes that his rival still needs to earn one more win to get a title shot.
His similar comments in regards to Arman Tsarukyan earned a fired up response from the man that will be the backup fighter this weekend in Las Vegas.
Despite Tsarukyan being in attendance in case anything happens to either of the two men involved in the main event, Topuria has a different outlook on who should be next.
- READ MORE: ‘Too much for my liking’ … UFC legend makes KO prediction for Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira
Ilia Topuria claims that Justin Gaethje is ‘the one who really deserves a title fight’
On paper at least, both Arman Tsarukyan and Paddy Pimblett make a lot of sense for Ilia Topuria if he’s able to win the vacant lightweight title on June 28.
However, ‘El Matador’ believes that there’s another top name in the lightweight division who is more deserving of the next shot at the belt.
Justin Gaethje has spoken publicly about feeling disrespected by the UFC when he wasn’t booked to be one half of the vacant title fight.
‘The Highlight’ has gone as far as to suggest that if he doesn’t get a title fight next, he will retire because he believes that the UFC owes him.
Topuria appears to share that stance, as he revealed in a recent interview with Alvaro Colmenero.
Whether the UFC agrees with him or not, it appears that the undefeated star would be happy to grant Gaethje his wish if he is successful on June 28.
- READ MORE: Dana White confirms title shot is on the line for two fighters at UFC 317 press conference
Justin Gaethje’s case for a lightweight title shot
Justin Gaethje may not be on the same winning streak as Arman Tsarukyan or Paddy Pimblett but his case for a title shot is very different.
‘The Highlight’ last fought for the lightweight title at UFC 274 where he was submitted by Charles Oliveira, having gone 3-1 inside the Octagon since then.
His one loss in his last four outings was his UFC 300 defeat at the hands of Max Holloway, which Gaethje doesn’t believe should impact his standing in the lightweight division because it was more of an exhibition fight.
With his last win coming over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313, where he did the promotion a favor by agreeing to face an opponent that he’s already beaten on short notice, Gaethje’s opinion is that he’s overdue a title shot, hence why he has delivered an ultimatum.