Following Ilia Topuria’s knockout victory over Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 317 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, debates have arisen about who is truly the best lightweight fighter. Despite the Spaniard’s impressive win, Paddy Pimblett’s coach remains unconvinced that Topuria is the division’s top competitor as the landscape for the 155-pound title evolves.
The win has put Topuria on track to succeed Islam Makhachev as the lightweight champion, setting the stage for potential title challenges. As tensions flared between Topuria and Pimblett during a heated Octagon confrontation, discussions about a future matchup emerged, though Pimblett’s camp questions whether Topuria’s status matches that of the reigning champion.
Pimblett’s Trainer Upholds Makhachev’s Status Over Topuria
Paul Rimmer, Paddy Pimblett’s coach at Next Generation MMA in Liverpool, spoke to Submission Radio emphasizing that he still regards Islam Makhachev as the undisputed best lightweight despite Topuria’s recent success. Rimmer expressed a preference for a fight against Makhachev over Topuria if Pimblett were given a choice.
He underscored the significance of Makhachev’s undefeated record and dominance within the division, stating his belief that the lightweight title remains firmly in Makhachev’s hands.
Islam, for me, is the guy in the division, the undefeated guy in the division. … He is undeniably the best lightweight in the world.
—Paul Rimmer, Paddy Pimblett’s Coach
Speculations on Topuria’s Future and Potential Clash With Makhachev
As Makhachev contemplates a move up to the welterweight division, the possibility that Topuria might directly challenge him at lightweight diminishes, reducing immediate prospects for their confrontation. Nonetheless, fans and analysts remain hopeful that such a fight could still materialize in the future.
Although Topuria has assured the UFC that he will not pursue the welterweight class merely to follow Makhachev, many anticipate that ‘El Matador’ will eventually chase titles across multiple divisions. This ambition fuels speculation about a potential battle with Makhachev, if the Dagestani champion remains atop the welterweight ranks.
UFC Hall of Famer Jens Pulver has predicted a knockout victory for Topuria should the two meet, highlighting Topuria’s striking power and precision in their commentary during the UFC 317 broadcast.
Dude, he didn’t just knock (Oliveira) out, he hurt him, he hurt him bad. He knocked him unconscious. … He hits too hard.
—Jens Pulver, UFC Hall of Famer
Pulver went on to describe the combination of Topuria’s punches and hooks, asserting that Topuria’s goal is to rise through the divisions and knockout Makhachev.
The Ongoing Lightweight Rivalry and Its Implications
The friction between Topuria’s knockout momentum and Pimblett’s coach’s loyalty to Makhachev reflects ongoing tensions in the lightweight division as contenders vie for supremacy. With Pimblett eager to challenge Topuria and Rimmer skeptical of the Spaniard’s claim to the top spot, the division remains unsettled.
How these rivalries and potential matchups unfold will shape the future of the UFC lightweight division, potentially redefining who holds the crown. As Makhachev’s move to welterweight advances, and Topuria’s reach expands, fans can expect high-stakes bouts that test the legitimacy of current and emerging champions.