Ilia Topuria's rival uses Jon Jones' retirement to suggest the 'biggest fight the UFC can make'

Ilia Topuria poses with two UFC belts after victory against Charles of the Bronx. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

In a scenario increasingly driven by entertainment and media reach, Paddy Pimblett is banking on his own charisma to boost his UFC career. With the retirement of the sport's last legends and the scarcity of big names, the British athlete believes that his name, coupled with Ilia Topuria, represents the greatest show that Ultimate can currently offer.

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During an interview with 'One On One MMA', Pimblett expressed confidence in projecting his future in the organization and positioning himself as the protagonist of a possible superfight. According to him, with the output de Jon Jones of the scenario, the most attractive confrontation that the UFC can promote today would be against Ilia Topuria.

“Now that Jon Jones is retired, I think the biggest fight the UFC can make is between me and Ilia. I wouldn't be surprised if I win the belt in 6 to 12 months," he said. Paddy Pimblett.

Paddy Pimblett emerges as favorite to face Ilia Topuria

Although competition in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) is intense, Paddy Pimblett emerges as the main candidate to be the next challenger of Ilia Topuria. The British man has a long-standing rivalry with the Spaniard and was recently invited by the champion to face off on the stage of UFC 317, which puts him in the spotlight in the fight for a chance at the title, ahead of names like Arman Tsarukyan e Justin gaethje.

Ilia Topuria treated Paddy Pimblett like lil bro #UFC317 pic.twitter.com/onxiuVrCTh

— sea✰ (@destroynectar) June 29, 2025

Ilia Topuria minimizes chances of facing Arman Tsarukyan

The UFC lightweight champion insists he will not give a title shot to Arman Tsarukyan. Ilia Topuria he closed the door again in the Russian's face.

"Look, when you put so much effort into the game and there's a guy in front of you that you don't know if he can get out of the fight, that's not good for us. It's not like, 'Oh, my back!' Man, I don't care at all," he said. Ilia Topuria in an interview with the 'Nelk Boys'.

Ilia Topuria raised his voice and even said that he would rather leave the belt vacant than fight with Arman Tsarukyan.

"They're going to give him a fight before the title fight because there's no way around it. I'm the world champion, I'll never give him a chance to fight for the title. I'll be like, look, if that's the case, take my belt. I'm not doing that," Topuria said.

The response was not long in coming. Tsarukyan took to social media and, via 'X' (formerly Twitter), questioned the champion's mindset in making such statements.

"Imagine calling yourself a champion, but already looking for a way out. You can vacate it, or I'll take it. Either way, it's mine," he wrote. Arman Tsarukyan.