UFC fans were hopeful that Ilia Topuria would make the first defense of his lightweight title before the end of the year, but the Spaniard has provided a bleak update.
After scoring an utterly brutal KO win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 earlier this year, Ilia Topuria became the new UFC lightweight champion, continuing to show his star power.
Having come out of the fight completely unscathed, it seemed as though ‘El Matador’ could make somewhat of a quick turnaround and defend his title before the end of the year.
As well as that, there are several lightweight contenders waiting in line for a title shot, despite it being relatively unclear who the official number one contender is.
Topuria provides bleak update on next title fight
Despite the widespread consensus being that Arman Tsarukyan is the deserved number one contender, Topuria admitted he isn’t interested in fighting the Armenian.
And because of that, it seemed likely that Topuria’s next fight would come against Justin Gaethje, who threatened to retire if he wasn’t given the title shot.
However, during a recent WOW press conference, Topuria provided somewhat of a bleak update regarding his next title fight.
“Well, I have no idea at all (when I will defend my title). The truth is, we are in (negotiations). We are in the middle of negotiating everything, adjusting the schedule for the remaining part of the year or next year, so I can’t give you a specific answer,” Topuria said.
And when asked whether his fight will come against either Tsarukyan, Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett, the Spaniard claimed it will be none of those three.
“None (of them), that’s the truth. For now, I don’t have it. I don’t have anyone.”
Who will Ilia Topuria fight next?
Although the 28-year-old has suggested that it won’t be any of the aforementioned three, it is unlikely to be anyone else in the lightweight rankings.
The only other fighter in the top five that is coming off the back of a win is Max Holloway, however, Topuria defeated him when they fought last year for the featherweight title.
At this point, it seems almost inevitable that Topuria’s first 155lb title defense will come against either Tsarukyan or ‘The Highlight’ Gaethje.