Ilia Topuria has yet to officially book an opponent for his first lightweight title defense.
‘El Matador’ brutally knocked out ex-champion Charles Oliveira to take the 155lb belt at UFC 317 in June.
Paddy Pimblett appeared to be next in line when he jumped in the Octagon for a post-fight confrontation with Ilia Topuria, whom he has been beefing with for years.
Several months later, ‘The Baddy’ is still unmatched and waiting to hear if he’ll get a shot at UFC gold over Justin Gaethje.
- LATEST NEWS: Ilia Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett needs to be made next or the UFC could miss out on all-time fight
Arman Tsarukyan predicts Ilia Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett
Arman Tsarukyan is the number one UFC lightweight contender, but he must work his way back into title contention after withdrawing from a championship fight with Islam Makhachev on 24 hours’ notice earlier this year.
The Armenian fan favorite will face Dan Hooker in the main event of UFC Qatar on November 22.
On Wednesday, Tsarukyan was asked if Pimblett has a chance of beating Topuria if that fight gets made.
“No. No way,” the 28-year-old said on The Ariel Helwani Show.
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Who should Ilia Topuria fight next?
The 22-3 fighter went on to explain that he’s the only person capable of dethroning the current UFC lightweight champion and pound-for-pound number one.
“Just me can beat Ilia. That’s all for now in our division,” Tsarukyan added.
“Everybody knows that. Even the UFC knows that. That’s why they are trying to push him [away from me] as much as possible.
“If I go and perform very well and finish Hooker, they cannot avoid me anymore.”
Ilia Topuria reacts to UFC 320
Ilia Topuria has been keeping tight-lipped about when, where, and who he’ll be fighting next.
The 28-year-old decided to focus on other fights when he made his last social media post.
Topuria reacted to Merab Dvalishvili’s latest dominant title defense against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320.
“Brother, we’ve reached the point where your victories seem almost normal,” he tweeted.
“But we all know how hard it is to get there. I say it with pride: you’re a living legend!!!! An example of hard work, sacrifice, and heart. Beyond the fighter, you’re an incredible person, with a soul too big for your chest.
“We love you, we support you, and we’re with you every step of the way @MerabDvalishvili.”