Potential Showdown: Topuria vs. Pimblett Gains Traction

According to international media reports on Tuesday, UFC icon Chael Sonnen has suggested a contest that could overshadow even a match between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev.

Following his impressive knockout victory over Charles Oliveira in June, which secured the lightweight title, Topuria has rapidly ascended to stardom in mixed martial arts.

Topuria boasts an unblemished record of 17 wins and no losses. After a commanding stint at featherweight, marked by triumphs against formidable opponents like Josh Emmett and Bryce Mitchell, he made the move to lightweight.

His victory against Oliveira also places Topuria among the select few fighters to have claimed UFC titles in two weight classes.

While Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett had a face-off post-fight, fans, along with ‘El Matador,’ are eager to see a clash with Islam Makhachev, considered a monumental event in the MMA sphere.

However, Sonnen argues that a Topuria versus Pimblett bout would generate even more buzz than a face-off between Islam and Ilia.

Sonnen commented, “The anticipated Islam versus Ilia fight isn’t as big as people are trying to portray it; it might gain traction over time. I believe some are too focused on immediate details to grasp the bigger picture.”

“Ilia Topuria versus Paddy ‘The Baddy’ would draw a larger crowd than Ilia Topuria versus Islam, as it stands now. The addition of a title around Islam might alter the discussion.”

Moreover, Arman Tsarukyan, currently riding a four-fight win streak in the UFC, is a leading contender for a title opportunity against ‘El Matador.’