The UFC lightweight division is currently engulfed in intense drama following Ilia Topuria’s championship victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 via a decisive knockout. Now, contenders including Arman Tsarukyan and Paddy Pimblett are vying for the next title shot, but conflicted opinions and financial considerations are clouding the path forward for the newly crowned champion. The unfolding Ilia Topuria title fight controversy has fans and fighters alike debating who deserves the next match.
After securing the belt, Topuria engaged in a heated face-off with Paddy Pimblett inside the octagon, ramping up anticipation for his upcoming fight. Despite Pimblett’s surge in popularity, there is widespread doubt about whether he is the rightful challenger, with many arguing that Tsarukyan is the more deserving competitor waiting in line. Veteran lightweight Dan Hooker shared his perspective on the situation during a recent Sky Sports interview, shedding light on the politics behind the fight selection.
Dan Hooker Criticizes Possible Topuria vs. Pimblett Matchup as a Money-Driven Decision
Dan Hooker expressed cynicism about the UFC potentially arranging a title fight between Topuria and Paddy Pimblett, labeling the choice as financially motivated rather than merit-based. Hooker suggested that although fighting Tsarukyan makes logical sense given his toughness, Topuria is likely to avoid this fight in favor of Pimblett, who would offer higher pay-per-view revenues despite being considered a less challenging opponent.
They might actually do Paddy [vs Ilia], which is an absolute piss take. But who cares, at the end of the day, he’s not gonna hold the belt for very long. Logically, he (Ilia) should be fighting Arman, but he won’t, as Arman is a really tough fighter. If you’re sitting with the title and getting paid the PPV points, and you’ve got to fight Arman, Gaethje, or Paddy, if you’re smart, you take Paddy. You’re gonna get the most money and the worst fighter. So it’s like a win-win situation for Ilia Topuria.
—Dan Hooker via Sky Sports
This blunt assessment highlights the tension between competitive integrity and financial incentives in the UFC’s matchmaking, with Topuria reportedly positioned to prioritize lucrative fights over riskier opponents who might threaten his reign. Pimblett’s recent victory over former Bellator champion Michael Chandler, despite Chandler’s inconsistent form, has added complexity to the title race, fueling debates about meritocracy and promotional hype in the division.
Tsarukyan’s Challenge and the Rising Rivalry Between Topuria and Pimblett
Arman Tsarukyan has openly dismissed Pimblett’s rapid emergence as undeserving of a title shot, pointing out that Pimblett has yet to defeat a top-ranked contender to justify his position. Meanwhile, the rivalry between Pimblett and Topuria has gained momentum, especially given their personal animosities and Pimblett’s strong fan base in the UK, creating a tempting pay-per-view proposition for the UFC.
However, Tsarukyan’s tension with the organization continues, as UFC CEO Dana White has imposed sanctions following Tsarukyan’s withdrawal from the UFC 311 event. This disciplinary action further weakens Tsarukyan’s immediate prospects, potentially clearing the way for Pimblett to be favored as Topuria’s next opponent, primarily due to commercial appeal rather than competitive ranking.
Comparisons Drawn Between Topuria and Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Regarding Fight Avoidance
Ilia Topuria’s fighting style and recent accomplishments have earned him impressive recognition, especially after his spectacular knockout wins over elite fighters such as Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. His rise culminated in securing the lightweight title by defeating Charles Oliveira, elevating him to the top spot in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings. Nevertheless, Topuria’s reluctance to face Arman Tsarukyan has sparked criticism, with some comparing his tactics to those of Jon Jones, who was accused of avoiding dangerous challengers earlier this year.
Michael Bisping, former UFC middleweight champion, weighed in on the situation in a detailed YouTube commentary, suggesting that Tsarukyan is a formidable threat whom Topuria is wise to avoid due to Tsarukyan’s well-rounded skill set and physical prime.
Is Ilia Topuria pulling a Jon Jones? Because Arman Tsarukyan is a real threat to anybody, he is a tremendous fighter. I know a lot of people discredit him for pulling out at the last minute, and rightly so, that’s not a good look. However, he’s a really, really good fighter, simple as that. He can do it all. He’s got the striking, the wrestling, the cardio, the strength. He’s very young, he’s in his prime. The man’s an absolute monster.
—Michael Bisping via his YouTube channel
This comparison to Jon Jones underscores the frustration among fans and experts who see Tsarukyan as a deserving contender being overlooked due to strategic avoidance by Topuria, who appears to prefer easier matchups for financial gain.
Why Tsarukyan’s Wrestling Could Pose a Unique Threat to Topuria
Tsarukyan made a strong impression in his UFC debut by challenging dominant lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and was considered the biggest threat capable of dethroning the Dagestani star. Given Topuria’s vulnerabilities in takedown defense exposed during his fight with Oliveira, experts argue that Tsarukyan’s wrestling background presents a significant stylistic challenge that puts him ahead as the logical next contender.
Despite the growing buzz around Pimblett’s marketability and heated rivalry with Topuria, Tsarukyan’s mixture of striking, endurance, and grappling makes him a dangerous and well-rounded athlete who could decisively impact the lightweight landscape if given the opportunity.
UFC’s Decision Could Shape the Future of the Lightweight Division
The choice between Pimblett and Tsarukyan as Topuria’s next opponent carries enormous implications for the UFC lightweight division’s credibility and fan engagement. Pimblett’s strong UK following and the ongoing personal feud with Topuria promise a high pay-per-view draw, but Tsarukyan’s credentials as a top contender and his proven competitiveness make him the more logical challenger in terms of sporting merit.
As the lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria’s decision or the UFC’s matchmaking strategy will likely trigger debates about the balance between financial incentives and competitive fairness in championship fights. The division’s direction hangs in the balance as fans and fighters await an announcement on the next title eliminator bout, with the potential for explosive consequences in rankings and UFC event success.