What’s Next for Ilia Topuria After UFC 317? Potential Showdown With Paddy Pimblett

By Ali Hammad July 01, 2025 04:14

Ilia Topuria’s stunning knockout victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 has catapulted him into the spotlight as the UFC’s newest two-division champion. With the featherweight and lightweight belts now in his possession, the question on everyone’s mind is: What’s next for “El Matador”? One fight that has quickly gained traction is a potential showdown with the charismatic British star, Paddy Pimblett.

The Rise of Ilia Topuria

Topuria’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. After capturing the featherweight title earlier this year, he boldly moved up to lightweight, where he faced Oliveira for the vacant belt on June 28 at UFC 317 in Las Vegas. The Georgian-Spaniard delivered a brutal first-round knockout, silencing critics who questioned his ability to compete against the division’s elite. With an unblemished professional record of 17-0, Topuria has now joined the exclusive club of fighters holding belts in two weight classes simultaneously.

Calling Out Paddy Pimblett

Immediately after his victory, Topuria called out Paddy Pimblett, signaling his eagerness to face one of the UFC’s most exciting and marketable fighters. Pimblett, known for his dynamic striking and magnetic personality, has been on a tear himself, quickly climbing the lightweight ranks with a string of impressive finishes.

Topuria stated in his post-fight interview, “Paddy Pimblett is an exciting fighter, and I want to test myself against the best. That fight makes sense, and the fans want to see it. I’m ready whenever he is.”

Pimblett, who has been vocal about his desire to fight for the lightweight title, responded enthusiastically on social media, calling the matchup “a dream fight” and promising to bring his best to the octagon.

Stylistic Matchup and Fan Interest

The potential Topuria vs. Pimblett fight is generating buzz for several reasons. Both fighters are known for their aggressive striking, finishing ability, and fan-friendly styles. Topuria’s precise, powerful boxing and grappling defense contrast with Pimblett’s unorthodox striking and relentless pace. Analysts predict a high-action bout that could easily earn Fight of the Night honors.

MMA analyst Jessica Morales commented, “This fight has all the ingredients for a classic. Topuria’s technical prowess versus Pimblett’s unpredictability makes it a must-watch. It’s a matchup that could define the lightweight division for years.”

UFC’s Scheduling Outlook

With UFC 318 scheduled for July 19 in New Orleans and several Fight Nights lined up through the summer, the promotion has multiple opportunities to book this blockbuster. However, given Topuria’s recent title win and Pimblett’s current fight commitments, the earliest realistic date for the bout would be in the fall or early 2026.

UFC president Dana White has hinted at prioritizing high-profile matchups to capitalize on Topuria’s momentum. “Ilia is a special talent, and Paddy is one of the most exciting guys in the sport. We want to make fights that fans crave, and this one fits perfectly,” White said in a recent interview.

What’s at Stake?

For Topuria, a victory over Pimblett would cement his legacy as one of the sport’s greats and unify his status as a dominant two-division champion. For Pimblett, it represents a chance to claim the lightweight crown and solidify his place among the UFC’s elite.

Both fighters bring undefeated or near-undefeated records and a hunger to prove themselves on the biggest stage. The winner would likely become the face of the lightweight division, setting up potential superfights with other top contenders like Islam Makhachev or Dustin Poirier.

Ilia Topuria’s emphatic win at UFC 317 has opened the door to a tantalizing clash with Paddy Pimblett, a fight that promises fireworks inside the octagon and massive interest outside it. As the UFC looks to build on the momentum of its new two-division champion, fans can expect negotiations and buildup to intensify in the coming months.

With both fighters eager and ready, the Topuria-Pimblett showdown could be the defining lightweight bout of 2026, blending skill, charisma, and championship stakes into one unforgettable event.