Knocking out three UFC icons back to back is a pretty impressive feat. And while Ilia Topuria has proven himself to be one of the most dominant fighters, he is not yet satisfied. After attaining a two-division champion status, Topuria aims for the sky. Looking at his probable next opponent, a couple of names are being touted as strong contenders. And ‘El Matador’ will take them on both at once!
In a recent interaction with Alvaro Colmenero, Topuria delved deep into his future in the UFC. Talking about his probable opponents, the lightweight champion name-dropped Islam Makhachev and Paddy Pimblett. The Spaniard stated that he could easily fight both Pimblett and Makhachev back to back. That too, in the very next week!
“If it were up to me, next Saturday we’d have UFC Spain. Against Makhachev in the first round, and against Paddy in the second,” said Topuria.
Ilia Topuria says if it were up to him, he'd fight Islam Makhachev and Paddy Pimblett in the same night 😳
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 4, 2025
"If it were up to me, next Saturday we'd have UFC Spain. Against Makhachev in the first round, and against Paddy in the second."
🎥 @KOlmeneroMMA pic.twitter.com/DIJOY4r5el
Now then, Makhachev is slated to fight for the welterweight title. Only after that fight is done can a probable matchup with Topuria be proposed. On the contrary, a face-off between Paddy Pimblett is still a possibility. Especially when there has been significant bad blood between the two.
Paddy Pimblett Hopes To ‘Punish’ Ilia Topuria
Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria have made quite a splash. After UFC 317 concluded, Pimblett and Topuria had a heated moment. ‘El Matador’ even shoved ‘The Baddy.’ Speaking about a probable face-off, Pimblett stated that he wanted to punish Topuria.
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“I hate him. I wouldn’t even want to finish him fast. I want to finish him with a minute left in the fight after I’ve elbowed him 700 times. I want to disfigure him,” said Pimblett.
Paddy Pimblett says he ‘HATES’ Ilia Topuria:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 29, 2025
“I hate him. I wouldn’t even want to finish him fast. I want to finish him with a minute left in the fight after I’ve elbowed him 700 times.
I want to disfigure him.” 😳😳
🎥 @espnmma #UFC317pic.twitter.com/bmowNGv8qv
Thus, with a lot going on, it remains to be seen what happens next.
Also Read: Arman Tsarukyan Says Paddy Pimblett Beats Washed-Up Fighters But Can’t Handle Anyone In Their Prime
