UFC needs to move quickly to arrange what could be one of the most significant matchups in the promotion`s history.
Earlier this year, Ilia Topuria took another massive stride towards becoming the biggest star in combat sports by knocking out Charles Oliveira to claim the lightweight championship.
With this incredible victory, `El Matador` ascended to the top of the pound-for-pound rankings, surpassing notable fighters like Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev.
Maintaining an undefeated record, the Spaniard could easily be remembered as the greatest fighter of all time – a title his long-time rival has already bestowed upon him.
UFC Must Act Now on Topuria`s Next Title Defense
For several years, the lightweight division has consistently been one of, if not the, strongest in the sport.
It transitioned from the dominance of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Makhachev to its current state, ruled by the more fan-friendly fighter, Topuria.
A key reason this division remains so thrilling is its continuous influx of exciting contenders.
Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and the aforementioned Oliveira have held top positions for years and are among the sport`s most beloved figures.
However, an eccentric Brit has now entered the division`s top eight, enjoying the fervent backing of an entire nation of boisterous English fans.
Since joining the UFC, Paddy Pimblett has rapidly risen to become one of the promotion`s biggest stars, thanks to his charismatic personality and engaging fighting style.
What makes this situation even more compelling is the genuine, palpable animosity between him and Topuria.
Their mutual dislike was so strong that they even attempted to fight each other in the fighter hotel before UFC London, where both were competing on the same card.
Following Topuria`s title victory at UFC 317, he and Pimblett had a face-off in the center of the Octagon, offering fans a glimpse of what their potential bout could entail.
Yet, despite this confrontation, the general consensus is that `The Baddy` does not currently deserve a title shot.
While there`s a strong argument for this stance, particularly given he has only one ranked victory, he might just benefit from being in the right place at the right time.
Last Wednesday, UFC President Dana White announced a rather unnecessary lightweight main event featuring Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker.
Tsarukyan should undoubtedly be the next in line for a title challenge, but White appears to be penalizing him for withdrawing from the UFC 311 main event with only 24 hours` notice.
Therefore, if White intends to keep `Ahalkalakets` out of the title picture, he needs to swiftly arrange Topuria vs. Pimblett.
Their rivalry is currently at its peak. If the UFC delays any longer, they risk losing the fight entirely. Pimblett has demonstrated in his seven cage appearances that he is beatable. If he were matched against a top-five opponent, he could easily lose, thereby squandering the opportunity for what could be an all-time classic against Topuria.
Does Pimblett Stand a Chance Against Topuria?
If fans learned one thing from Topuria`s face-off with Pimblett at UFC 317, it`s that `The Baddy` possesses a significant size advantage over the champion.
`El Matador` is likely more naturally a featherweight, having spent most of his career at 145 lbs.
Pimblett, conversely, is well-known among the UFC fanbase for significantly gaining weight between fights and is likely more naturally a welterweight.
However, Pimblett`s recent performances have shown that his chin is vulnerable. And if you want to avoid any fighter hitting your chin, you certainly don`t want Topuria to be the one delivering the blow.
Ultimately, I don`t believe the Brit has a strong chance against Topuria, but now is the optimal time for the promotion to make this fight, otherwise, they risk missing out on it completely.
