Ilia Topuria has several options for his first title defense but he believes the UFC have whittled it down to just two names.
Last month, Ilia Topuria continued his incredible run in the premier promotion when he knocked Charles Oliveira out cold in the UFC 317 main event to become the new lightweight champion.
Immediately after the fight, controversy ensued as lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett stormed into the cage for an impromptu face off with Topuria, orchestrated by Joe Rogan.
This didn’t sit well with UFC boss Dana White as he admitted at the post-fight press conference that it shouldn’t have happened as Pimblett likely won’t be the next title challenger.
Topuria on who he thinks the UFC will push to fight him next
After White revealed that it likely wouldn’t be ‘The Baddy’ to fight for the title next, fans questioned who may be ‘El Matador’s’ first challenger.
Longtime contender Justin Gaethje sent the UFC somewhat of an ultimatum, claiming that if he isn’t given the title shot next that he would likely retire.
Again, this didn’t sit well with White who advised that maybe Gaethje should retire if he is already considering retirement, calling his ultimatum ‘whacky’.
And with that, Justin Gaethje recently turned down a potential fight against Pimblett, stating that the UFC are trying to use him to build up their next star.
Despite that, the lightweight champion recently revealed who he thinks the promotion will push to fight him next.
“I don’t know (who the UFC will give me next), I think that they are going to try and push for Justin, that’s what I think. Or maybe Paddy. There’s not even a conversation about Arman (Tsarukyan),” Topuria told the Nelk Boys during a recent livestream.
Many fans believe Arman Tsarukyan is the deserving next challenger considering his impressive run, however White has told him that he still has some ways to go before re-earning another title shot, after withdrawing from UFC 311 just hours before the event.
“I had the same problems as he had in his last fight. Every time you cut weight, you always feel that pain in your back because you are dehydrated… He needs to fight again.
“Paddy will be a huge fight but I don’t know why, but he needs one more fight, I don’t know why I feel that but he needs one more fight,” Topuria continued.
Topuria interested in potential fight against Jack Della Maddalena
As well as his ongoing feud with Pimblett, the 28-year-old is still hopeful of one day fighting Islam Makhachev, who he has been building a rivalry with for over a year now.
Not only that, but a feud seems to have recently been sparked by current welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, who belittled Topuria for claiming he is the true BMF champion.
And with that, the Spaniard has stated that he would be open to a fight against Della Maddalena if he beats Makhachev in their eventual fight.
“Just imagine if Jack beats Islam, that fight would be great also. Yeah, I would love to fight him,” Topuria said.