This morning, we all found out that UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is now the top-ranked pound-for-pound men’s fighter after his impressive knockout victory against Charles Oliveira on Saturday night in Las Vegas. 

Ranked No. 1 in the UFC 

That’s not unexpected. Currently, online discussions have shifted to the intriguing possibility of a bout between Topuria and Islam Makhachev, the No. 2 ranked UFC competitor, who gave up his lightweight title to compete in welterweight. The date for Makhachev’s next fight is still unknown. 

However, a Topuria-Makhachev match would undoubtedly set new PPV records. It's merely unrealistic hope, however. The immediate future for the UFC focuses on determining Topuria’s subsequent contender in the lightweight division. 

Topuria versus Pimblett fight next? 

Sportsbooks are eager at the prospect of a Topuria-Paddy Pimblett matchup. Pimblett holds the No. 10 rank in the UFC lightweight division, and the Huyton, UK native excels at self-promotion nearly as much as he does in mixed martial arts. Today he criticized Oliveira for his performance on Saturday night – a powerful right hand that took down the Brazilian at 2:27 of Round 1. 

Having the belt draped over his shoulder after defeating Oliveira on Saturday, Topuria confronted Pimblett in the Octagon. Pimblett has frequently shown his disdain for the Spaniard. The pair exchanged comments, and Topuria pushed Pimblett, triggering a wave of social media discussions and excitement. 

UFC President and CEO Dana White later informed reporters that he was unaware Pimblett was in the Octagon and expressed his dissatisfaction about it. 

Topuria stated following the Oliveira bout that he wishes to challenge Pimblett. 

“Charles is an amazing human being,” he said. “With Paddy, I am really going to enjoy kicking his ass.”

Big Betting Numbers

"A Paddy-Topuria fight would be massive. Our Paddy numbers have steadily increased every time he’s fought,” said Mark Collier, a trader with BetVictor. “His numbers were decent when with Cage Warriors but since UFC, his rise has positively impacted the betting.

“If Pimblett does get Topuria then it’s the international draw/appeal with the venue very well being Anfield (Liverpool) or the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium (Madrid). During the McGregor years, we got ridiculous numbers however Conor never got his wish of fighting at Croke Park9in Dublin) but there’s no reason why the potential Pimblett/Topuria fight couldn’t go one better and get the desired European stadium.

Pimblett: Hatred for Topuria

“Topuria would be the favourite to beat Paddy the Baddy but even the most negative fan of UFC couldn’t fully dismiss the scousers chances in beating him.”

It's undeniable that the UFC has its biggest star since Conor McGregor in Topuria. That’s three significant victories in succession for him – each against “big names,” as White mentioned. Pimblett and Justin Gaethje are solid choices for Topuria's upcoming match. DraftKings revised their UFC futures – determining who will hold the lightweight title on Dec. 31, 2026, placing Topuria at -200 and Pimblett at +300. 

Pimblett expressed to ESPN: “We share a past.” You don’t even have to promote that fight — it promotes itself. Two individuals who truly can't stand one another — we haven't witnessed that since Khabib–McGregor. I dislike him. I wouldn’t even want to quickly finish him. I’d like to finish him with a minute remaining in the fight after I've elbowed him 700 times. "I want to distort his appearance." 

Avello: Pimblett-Topuria Would Be Huge 

Johnny Avello, the Director of Sports Operations at DraftKings, mentioned he is definitely excited about the fight, if it takes place.

"UFC continues to grow in popularity, and the betting interest is always present with a good fight on the card. When you’ve got two fan favorites like Pimblett and Topuria, with Topuria in particular really dominating, you can expect plenty of excitement—and plenty of betting action.”

Topuria was asked by ESPN about the possibility of a Makhachev fight: “Realistically, from all the conversations I had with the UFC, I don’t think that that fight is going to happen. I will be surprised if I get the call and they’re going to tell me, I want you to fight against Islam, which I would love to do it, no problem. This is competition. I’m not going to lose my life inside that octagon. So I’m ready for whoever. I know I am very dangerous. I will be here as always.”