Overview

• Topuria secured the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317 on June 28 with a first-round KO of former champion Charles Oliveira in Las Vegas.
• He became the UFC’s tenth fighter to win titles in two weight classes after relinquishing the featherweight belt in February.
• The 28-year-old has declared Paddy Pimblett his preferred opponent, pointing to their heated post-fight confrontation.
• UFC president Dana White has signaled reluctance to book the Topuria–Pimblett bout next.
• Alternative contenders under consideration include Islam Makhachev, Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje and potentially Max Holloway.