The UFC lightweight division remains one of the most fiercely competitive in the sport, with top athletes vying for supremacy. At the forefront, Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira are slated to clash for the lightweight title at the UFC 317 pay-per-view event. MMA analysts largely back the Georgian-Spanish fighter, Topuria, as the anticipated winner in this championship contest. Meanwhile, contender Paddy Pimblett is already preparing for the eventuality that Topuria secures the belt, setting the stage for their highly anticipated rivalry to headline the division’s next chapter.
Pimblett, hailing from the UK, has expressed his determination to confront and defeat Topuria, viewing their matchup as a defining moment for both fighters. In conversations with Tom Aspinall, Pimblett outlined a confident and detailed strategy aimed at exploiting Topuria’s vulnerabilities, emphasizing a complete MMA skillset rather than a purely striking approach.
Pimblett’s Strategy: Beyond the Boxing Stand-Off
Topuria is recognized for his powerful striking, capable of ending fights rapidly with knockouts. Past attempts from elite strikers like Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway to outpoint him on the feet have proven unsuccessful. Pimblett, aware of Topuria’s strengths, plans to break away from typical striking exchanges and leverage his versatile MMA skills, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he has successfully submitted top-tier opponents.
If Ilia wins and says he wants to fight me, the UFC will make that fight because they know it’s a money fight. I know I’d beat him. Funny cuz I get laughed at for it. But I know I beat him. We’ve already talked about gameplans to beat him. And I know how to beat him. No one goes for his weaknesses when they fight. Everyone just decides to have a boxing match with him. I’m not going to come out and have a boxing match with him. I’m going to beat him with my all-around MMA game.
Paddy Pimblett via Tom Aspinall’s YT Channel
Unlike other competitors who engage Topuria in stand-up battles, Pimblett intends to apply pressure through a multi-faceted approach, targeting the areas where Topuria shows relative weaknesses. This game plan illustrates Pimblett’s seriousness and preparation for the potential title clash, reflecting his belief that he possesses the tools to dethrone the knockout artist.
Topuria’s Confidence and Views on the Grappling Aspect
In response, Topuria has often described himself as a more complete fighter with strong grappling credentials, sometimes asserting that this facet of his game surpasses even his striking. The Georgian-Spanish athlete has expressed eagerness to face Pimblett soon, aiming to conclusively settle their rivalry inside the cage. His approach combines aggressive striking power with technical grappling, making him a challenging opponent for any lightweight contender.
Controversy Over UFC’s Promotion of Topuria Over Makhachev
Earlier this year, Ilia Topuria stirred debate by vacating his featherweight title to move up to lightweight, targeting a showdown with Islam Makhachev. This maneuver was seen as strategic, with Topuria reportedly bypassing other contenders, banking on a promised immediate title shot from the UFC. Subsequently, Islam Makhachev vacated the lightweight title to chase a title in the welterweight division, further complicating the lightweight championship picture.
Behind the scenes, UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell’s intervention in Dagestan to encourage Makhachev to move up has fueled speculation about the organization’s intentions. Umar Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s teammate, revealed that UFC leadership prefers to elevate Topuria to champion status, motivated by Topuria’s superior marketability and ability to draw pay-per-view buys.
[Hunter Campbell] came to see Islam [Makhachev]… They wanted Islam to move up. They want to make Topuria the champ at 155 [pounds weight class]. Not because Islam wants to move up, but because they want [Topuria] to be the champ there. They believe [Topuria] can really sell fights.
Umar Nurmagomedov via Hustler Vlog
This approach contrasts with Makhachev’s more understated grappling-heavy style and less flamboyant public persona. Topuria’s fiery character, combined with his knockout highlights and Spanish-Georgian heritage, boosts his appeal both in Europe and Latin America, enabling greater mainstream visibility and commercial success for the UFC.
Marketability and Fan Appeal Boost Topuria’s Profile
Topuria has cultivated a connection with fans worldwide through his aggressive fighting style and engaging personality. His knockout finishes and expressive trash talk bring excitement to the lightweight division, distinguishing him from more reserved fighters. These factors amplify his potential as a pay-per-view draw and contribute to the UFC’s preference for positioning him as a leading lightweight champion.
After vacating the featherweight belt and with the lightweight title now vacant following Makhachev’s departure, Topuria has publicly criticized Makhachev’s choices, claiming the Dagestani champion is avoiding a fight with him in favor of reportedly easier matchups. While Makhachev has hinted at a future showdown with Topuria, particularly after his potential welterweight title reign, Topuria has firmly rejected the prospect of an immediate rematch.
What Lies Ahead for the Lightweight Division and Pimblett’s Ambitions
The lightweight division’s evolving dynamics, shaped by fighter movements and UFC strategies, set the stage for a pivotal clash between Topuria and Paddy Pimblett. Pimblett’s stated readiness and tactical preparation ahead of a potential showdown illustrate the intensity and high stakes of their rivalry. Should Topuria capture the lightweight title at UFC 317, fans can anticipate a lucrative and hard-fought battle with Pimblett, whose blend of grappling and striking could disrupt the champion’s dominance.
The outcome of this unfolding rivalry carries significant implications for the division’s future hierarchy and market appeal. It also highlights the UFC’s ongoing efforts to balance competitive merit with commercial considerations as they shape matchups that resonate with global audiences.