Ilia Topuria: Rising Star In A Post-Jon Jones Era

Ilia Topuria has been blazing a trail through the mixed martial arts world, rapidly filling the void left by the retirement of Jon Jones. His victories include wins over well-established fighters such as Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, with a following that spreads beyond his home countries of Spain and Georgia. His ascent in the UFC is electrifying, establishing him as one of the promotion’s newest stars.

Now, Paddy Pimblett, another noteworthy UFC personality, is expressing interest in a potential showdown with Topuria. According to him, their collision in the octagon could possibly be the marquee fight the UFC needs at this moment, something that would not just pique the curiosity of global fans, but would potentially draw them in large numbers.

Taking advantage of the absence left by Jones, Pimblett sees this as an optimal time to stage a high-profile bout. He pictures himself going toe-to-toe with ‘El Matador,’ an exciting scenario he believes could be the most significant fight the UFC could offer in the current landscape. Pimblett not only envisions this possibility but is also confident in his journey up the ranks.

His confidence doesn’t stop there. Pimblett is optimistic about his prospects and sees himself potentially contending for the title in merely a few months’ time. Sharing his demeanor, he said, ‘With Jon Jones easing into retirement, the most impactful fight the UFC can host right now is Ilia and myself. I won’t be surprised if I get my hands on the belt between half a year to a year from now.’

Adding fuel to the fire, UFC 317 saw a face-off between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett, a tantalizing interaction that could potentially set the stage for a riveting match. The incident sparked excitement among fans, leading some to believe that a mega fight could be in the works.

However, according to Dana White, the glimmers of anticipation may have to be tempered for a while. Clearing the air, White stated that the dream match between Topuria and Pimblett won’t happen, at least not in the immediate future. Instead, he pointed towards a more likely scenario, a rematch involving Max Holloway.

At the conclusion of UFC 318, White reflected on Holloway’s situation, painting a rosy picture for the fighter. After his stellar performance in defending his BMF title, he finds himself in a prime position within the lightweight division, currently ranking fourth.

According to White, Max Holloway is ripe for reaping big opportunities, affirming his belief in the fighter’s capabilities to seize them. From another shot at the title to potential high-profile fights, White believes the future holds promising offerings for Holloway.

As for El Matador Ilia Topuria, anticipation for his next challenge is building. Despite the shelving of the potential clash with Pimblett, Topuria’s pull in the sport remains strong. Maintaining an immaculate record and holding championship titles in two weight divisions, he easily emerges as one of the UFC’s top superstars.

Topuria remains a must-see name in the UFC, generating an immense amount of excitement and anticipation. As fans eagerly speculate about his next opponent, they also question if Topuria’s undefeated streak can be snapped in his forthcoming fight.