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2h ago

Ilia Topuria’s Lightweight Title Defense Remains Unsettled as Pimblett-Gaethje Bout Surfaces

Dana White’s criticism of Pimblett’s cage entry casts fresh light on Topuria’s decision to defer an Islam Makhachev matchup.

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Overview

  • Topuria secured the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317 with a first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira, making him the UFC’s tenth two-division champion.
  • A heated Octagon face-off with Paddy Pimblett reignited their 2022 rivalry and drew a rare public rebuke from UFC president Dana White.
  • Leading contenders for Topuria’s first defense include Paddy Pimblett, Islam Makhachev, Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway.
  • Topuria has publicly downplayed the likelihood of an immediate bout with Islam Makhachev despite mutual interest.
  • Reigning middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis suggested on social media that a Pimblett vs. Gaethje fight at UFC 319 could serve as the title eliminator, though the matchup remains unconfirmed.