Ilia Topuria’s first title defence has been leaked and it will not be against Paddy Pimblett after the Englishman confronted the Georgian-Spanish fighter
Paddy Pimblett has been handed a major blow after Ilia Topuria’s next fight was leaked.
‘El Matador’ moved up to lightweight earlier this year and was immediately given a title shot against ex-champion Charles Oliveira. Topuria needed only one round to become a two-division title holder, knocking out the Brazilian in the main event at UFC 317 in June.
Following the bout, Topuria’s long-standing adversary Pimblett stormed into the cage and exchanged heated words with the newly-crowned champion. The pair were eventually separated by security after the Georgian-Spanish fighter pushed the Liverpudlian.
The altercation seemingly added fuel to the fire amid talks of a potential showdown. Pimblett recently moved up the 155lb rankings without even stepping into the cage. However, despite this slight shift, it seems the Brit won’t be Topuria’s next challenger, reports All Out Fighting. Instead, ‘El Matador’ will face Justin Gaethje in his first defence of his lightweight title.
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In a swiftly removed Instagram post on Tuesday morning, Topuria’s manager, Lukasz Orzel, disclosed that his star client will take on the former interim champion at UFC 322. As of now, no official announcement has been made by Dana White and the UFC.
The pay-per-view bout is anticipated to unfold on November 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, though official confirmation of the date and location will emerge in the coming weeks. Orzel’s statement supports his earlier remarks to Kanał Sportowy, where he declared the ‘Highlight’ was the “closest” to securing the bout. “Third belt is a matter of time. For now, we’ve given our word to the UFC that we will stay at lightweight,” Orzel said. “We’re waiting to see who comes up as the natural contender. We’d like to fight again this year. Gaethje is the closest, time will tell if it’s him.”
The revelation has stunned numerous fans who had anticipated a showdown between Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan. The Armenian currently sits at number two in the rankings and deserves a title shot following Islam Makhachev’s switch to welterweight.
Tsarukyan’s name has been circulating recently, but Topuria dismissed the lightweight contender and vowed to relinquish his crown if compelled to face the Armenian. “If I’m the world champion, I’m never going to give him a chance,” he said on the Nelk Boys YouTube channel. “I will be like, ‘Listen if that’s the case, take my belt. I don’t do it.'”
During a press conference in Los Angeles, Tsarukyan responded to Topuria’s recent remarks. “If he feels he’s going to lose that fight, it’s better to give up the belt and go up, or wait for what happens with me,” he retorted. “He knows I’m a big problem for him, and I’m going to get his title. He knows that, and he wants to get an easy fight with Paddy, Gaethje, or somebody [else]. Just make money and don’t defend. But with me? It’s going to be hard for him.
“I already told them I’m ready in September, October, I train twice a day and I’m healthy now,” Tsarukyan added. “But if they told me October with somebody [else], and then December with Ilia, sure! I’ll fight [Dan Hooker], but my goal is a title fight, because I know I deserve it and I’m the number one contender.”