Ilia Topuria expects to turn into the brand new light-weight champion at UFC 317, and he’s already plotting out potential matchups for his future.
The previous featherweight king, who makes his second look at 155 kilos on Saturday when he faces Charles Oliveira in the principle occasion, acknowledges that the most important struggle accessible to him most likely revolves round a showdown in opposition to Paddy Pimblett. These two bought right into a bodily altercation a number of years in the past forward of a UFC occasion in London, and the dangerous blood between them has solely grown since then.
That’s why Topuria has already known as for Pimblett to function his first title protection as champion, and he even laid out a plan for the at all times outspoken Brit to earn that chance.
“If he needs to guarantee his title, he has to struggle with Justin Gaethje,” Topuria stated throughout UFC 317 media day on Wednesday. “As a result of if he fights with Arman [Tsarukyan], I feel Arman’s going to beat him. So the simplest path he has to get the title shot is Justin. Stylistically.”
Arman Tsarukyan is weighing in because the backup for the UFC 317 principal occasion, and he’s had his personal disagreement with Topuria within the lead-up to this card. Again in January, Tsarukyan was scheduled to face then-champion Islam Makhachev, however a again damage pressured him off the cardboard on the final minute.
Since then, UFC CEO Dana White has remained adamant that Tsarukyan must get a win earlier than he receives one other alternative on the title, however he hasn’t been rebooked because the Makhachev struggle fell aside.
In the meantime, Gaethje has acknowledged he plans to attend for the winner of Topuria vs. Oliveira, so preventing Pimblett won’t curiosity him a lot.
A lot to Gaethje’s chagrin, it’s Pimblett who has Topuria’s consideration after he only recently demolished one-time title challenger Michael Chandler. Add to that, the disdain shared between Topuria and Pimblett has all of the makings for a blockbuster struggle between them.
“That struggle simply might be one of many largest within the UFC historical past,” Topuria stated a couple of potential matchup with Pimblett. “Pay attention, I don’t [take anything] private on this sport. It’s all skilled.”
Earlier than he can begin planning for the long run, Topuria first must get previous Oliveira within the UFC 317 principal occasion.
Topuria already predicted that he expects to march Oliveira down within the octagon and put him away similar to he’s performed to different legends of the game, comparable to Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.
After listening to these feedback, Oliveira promised to make use of the same technique, and Topuria welcomes that sport plan from the previous champion.
“Keep in mind, that is what he’s going to attempt to do,” Topuria stated about Oliveira. “That’s not one thing he’s going to do. He’s going to attempt to do it. He’s going to attempt to win. After all. Under no circumstances [surprised he said that], that’s his job, he must be assured.”
