UFC legend ignores Ilia Topuria's wishes and proposes a crucial lightweight bout: 'Now that's what I'd buy into'

Ilia Topuria He is a former UFC featherweight champion and current lightweight champion. (Photo / Reproduction Instagram UFC)

Daniel Cormier believes it is still too early to Paddy Pimblett to compete for the UFC belt. The discussion gained momentum after Ilia Topuria He surprised fans by suggesting that the Briton should be his next challenger in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg), a position which, in the commentator's view, is not the ideal time for him.

In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Cormier explained that the UFC had considered a fight between Pimblett and Justin gaethje He highlighted that a victory over the former BMF champion could justify a title shot. DC argued that, although the Briton has evolved and impressed by winning... Michael chandlerHe still needs to mature more in the octagon, as the Spanish champion represents another level in the sport.

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"I know for sure that they wanted to do Paddy vs. Justin. A victory over Justin, after what he's already done, then I would buy into the idea of..." Paddy Pimblett "Competing for the belt now. Because I still believe Paddy needs to continue evolving a bit inside the octagon. He's on the right track and fought so well that we thought, 'Man, the way he beat Chandler, we've never seen that before.' But Ilia is another level. He's a savage," he said. Daniel Cormier.

Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett rivalry in the UFC

Ilia Topuria in face with Paddy Pimblett No. UFC 317. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

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The rivalry between the two is not recent. The hostile atmosphere began in 2021, when Pimblett made provocative comments about the Georgian on social media, including sensitive remarks about Georgia and references to the 2008 Russian invasion. The following year, the friction escalated into physical confrontations.

During an event in London, the Briton even threw a bottle of hand sanitizer at Topuria in a hotel. Since then, encounters at UFC events and press conferences have been marked by constant tension and exchanges of provocations.

Who should be Ilia Topuria's first challenger in the lightweight division?

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

After Ilia Topuria knock off Charles of the Bronx No. UFC 317 And to win the lightweight belt, three names stand out as the main candidates for the challenger spot: Paddy Pimblett, Justin gaethje e Arman Tsarukyaneach with solid arguments to support their position.

Paddy Pimblett, Topuria's declared rival, took the lead when he stepped into the octagon still in UFC 317 For a direct face-off with the new champion. Undefeated in the UFC and possessing enormous popular appeal, the Briton emerges as one of the strongest options to challenge for the title.

Another name being considered is Justin gaethjeThe American has already had two chances to fight for the belt, but was defeated by Charles of the Bronx e Khabib NurmagomedovDespite this, he has the influence of his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, and his good victory over [the previous winner] in his favor. Raphael Fiziev in his last performance.

Lastly, Arman Tsarukyan He appears as a legitimate alternative. Currently ranked number 1, the Armenian saw his title shot slip away when he was forced to withdraw from the fight against Islam makhachev No. UFC 311 After suffering a back injury the day before the fight, he recovered, returned to the octagon, and dominated. Dan Hooker with ease in UFC Qatar, reinforcing their arguments based on the opportunity.