ARTICLE AD BOX
After his spectacular victory over Max Holloway, Ilia Topuria clearly showed that his goal is to become a two-time champion in the UFC, and he could achieve this by moving to the lightweight division and challenging the current champion, Islam Makhachev. However, a lot depends on Islam's plans because, after he has already given Volkanovski an opportunity, it would be the turn for Topuria to get his moment as well.
What will happen? The UFC's plans remain unknown
With all that in mind, the question is what will happen in the future, and what is interesting is that Paddy Pimblett, known for his controversial statements, believes that Ilia is still not ready to fight for the lightweight belt. He believes that Topuria is not a big enough star for such a step, as was the case with Conor McGregor.
"He's only defended his belt once, and usually you have to defend it at least three times for that. On the other hand, he's not that big of a star, he's not Conor McGregor to just jump up to another weight class for another belt. Personally, I don't think it's going to happen," Pimblett told the Blood Red – A Liverpool FC Podcast.
Pimblett added that he's heard Ilia is heading to UFC 314 against Volkanovski, but he points out that, as always, with the UFC, it's never certain until the details are finalized. "We'll see what happens," says Pimblett, who has been talking about this potential fight for some time.
Although Pimblett often shocks the public with his statements, it's clear that he won't be the one to decide these matters. Everything, as always, will be in the hands of Dana White and other UFC leaders, who will make the final decision. But fans are clearly open to the possibility, aware that a two-weight title fight would be a huge event in the world of MMA.
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