Ilia Topuria is already looking beyond the Charles Oliveira fight, it seems. While Topuria will be fighting for the championship, he is also keeping an eye on his next probable opponents. Two names that stand out in the lightweight division are Paddy Pimblett and Arman Tsarukyan. And Topuria has some interesting insights to share.
In a recent statement, Topuria pointed out that both Pimblett and Tsarukyan are certainly championship prospects. However, according to Topuria, both would need one more win each to challenge for the championship. ‘El Matador’ further stated that there are more contenders in the division.
“For sure [Paddy] needs to win one more fight because there are more contenders in the division that deserve the title shot… [Arman] also needs to win a fight. He had his opportunity to fight for the title, he pulled out for I don’t know what reason,” said Topuria.
Ilia Topuria says both Paddy Pimblett and Arman Tsarukyan have to win one more fight before getting a title shot:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 20, 2025
"For sure [Paddy] needs to win one more fight because there are more contenders in the division that deserve the title shot…
[Arman] also needs to win a fight.… pic.twitter.com/NTQD5c4uqF
Surely, the lightweight division has contenders like Justin Gaethje waiting in the wings. Meanwhile, as the fight between Oliveira and Topuria nears, several predictions are coming up. And fellow lightweight fighter Dustin Poirier detailed his take on who might have the last laugh.
Dustin Poirier Favors Ilia Topuria
Poirier does know a thing or two about title fights. Challenging for the belt, Poirier put up a dominant show against Islam Makhachev. Now, commenting on the Topuria vs Oliveira matchup, ‘The Diamond’ stated that Topuria will be the favorite to win the bout. He pointed out that Oliveira must look to get a submission on ‘El Matador.’
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“Unless Charles can sub him, maybe if he hurts him, but it’s going to be tough, I think. Because Charles gets hit a lot, you know, and Ilya puts people away. I’m excited about it,” said Poirier.
Dustin Poirier picks Ilia Topuria to beat Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 👀
— Full Violence ™ (@Full_Violence) June 17, 2025
“Charles gets hit a lot and Ilia puts people away.” pic.twitter.com/s30HhhVKca
Thus, with things getting quite interesting, it now remains to be seen what happens next.
Also Read: Ilia Topuria Details Reasons On Why He Wanted The Islam Makhachev Fight
