Ilia Topuria lost his lightweight title and his undefeated record this past weekend at UFC Freedom 250, where he was brutally dismantled by the 37-year-old Justin Gaethje.
After the Round 4 TKO loss due to corner stoppage, Topuria was quickly taken to the hospital, and reports have confirmed that he has suffered a small orbital fracture, but the good news is that “El Matador” will not require any surgery.
Topuria has already issued a post-loss statement in which he stated in the end that he wants to avenge his loss to Gaethje later this year. But “The Highlight” is not a game to give the 29-year-old an immediate rematch.
So here are 3 opponents Ilia Topuria could face in his return bout after his recent title loss.
1) Paddy Pimblett vs. Ilia Topuria
Paddy Pimblett’s and Ilia Topuria’s strained relationship is the main reason why “The Baddy” tops the list. The Brit and the Georgian-Spaniard have disliked each other since the inception of their UFC careers, and the promotion wanted them to lock horns in 2026.
All the Brit had to do to make this blockbuster showdown a reality was to beat Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 and capture the interim 155-pound title. However, Pimblett was dropped numerous times by Gaethje, had his face dismantled, and lost by unanimous decision.
After Pimblett was dogwalked by Justin Gaethje, Topuria mocked him publicly. Now, following Topuria’s defeat this past weekend, Pimblett had the perfect opportunity to return the favor and take a brutal shot at Topuria once the latter quit at UFC Freedom 250 after fighting “The Highlight” for 4 rounds.
Paddy Pimblett boasts a granite chin and has proven it time and time again that “Scousers don’t get knocked out.” Given the bad blood between the two, this has all the makings of one of the biggest fights of the year.
Pimblett is set to face Benoit Saint Denis next month, and regardless of the result, a matchup against Topuria could still be booked. With their heated rivalry, the fight could easily be promoted as a No. 1 contender bout for the UFC lightweight title.
2) Arman Tsarukyan vs. Ilia Topuria
After Ilia Topuria’s title loss, Arman Tsarukyan is even more confident that he has a better ground game than “El Matador” and he can handle Topuria with ease and perhaps even submit him if they ever lock horns.
If the Armenian doesn’t get a title fight against Gaethje next, a showdown with Topuria could make perfect sense. It would be a classic striker-vs-grappler matchup featuring two of the best lightweights in the world, both competing in their prime years.
3) Mauricio Ruffy vs. Ilia Topuria or Max Holloway vs. “El Matador”
The Brazilian Conor McGregor, Mauricio Ruffy, knocked out Michael Chandler in Round 1 this past weekend at UFC Freedom 250 and is now the no. 7-ranked lightweight contender.
Ruffy has proven why he is one of the most dangerous knockout artists in the sport.
A matchup against Topuria would be a thrilling striker-vs-striker contest and could easily become one of the most exciting stand-up battles.
Lastly, Max Holloway, who is set to run it back with Conor McGregor next month at UFC 329, has previously called for a rematch with Ilia Topuria after the latter became the first man to knock him out.
If “Blessed” gets past “The Notorious” in impressive fashion, it would be the perfect opportunity for him to call out Topuria for a rematch at lightweight. With “El Matador” no longer holding the 155-pound title, a second meeting between the two could finally become a reality, and Holloway will finally get a chance to “get one back.”
