Who's Next for the Undefeated Lightweight Champion?
With the Paramount merger on the horizon, the UFC is beginning to make its first moves towards an eventful first card on the new platform. Many of the sport’s biggest stars are either injured or booked for upcoming fights, except one, the biggest name at lightweight, Ilia Topuria. The young, undefeated champion has not fought since June, making the first card in January on Paramount the perfect time for a return. With many of lightweight's top contenders booked or coming off recent fights, few options remain for the future Hall of Famer. This leaves fans with one aching question. Who is next for Ilia Topuria?
Before his recent announcement that he would be fighting at UFC Qatar, Arman Tsarukyan appeared to be the frontrunner for a title shot. Not only does Arman hold one of the longest win streaks in his division, but he has also proven himself to be at an elite level, as seen by his most recent win over Charles Oliveira. Unfortunately, the momentum that Arman had gained was halted when he pulled out of his title match against Islam Makhachev. Since then, Arman has become one of the three main names in the lightweight title conversation. The other two peers in that conversation were Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje. Both men have proved themselves to be some of the best the division can offer, but since Arman has been booked to fight in November, who is most deserving to fight Topuria in the new year?
Gaethje and Pimblett both scored recent wins over high-caliber opponents in Rafael Fiziev and Michael Chandler. Paddy is lower-ranked but is riding a longer win streak as well as a TKO finish against Chandler. Gaethje fought Fiziev on short notice and was most likely getting a title shot before his loss to Max Holloway for the BMF belt. Either man could fight for the title with little to no grievance from fans. Their styles are beloved by casual enjoyers and dedicated viewers alike. An issue has arisen; however, Gaethje has claimed that if he is not allowed to fight for the title soon, he may never fight again. With the looming threat of losing one of their biggest stars, will the UFC give the title shot to Gaethje? Or will they choose to give it to the younger, more boisterous man in Paddy?
