Ilia Topuria is convinced that he will leave UFC 317 with the lightweight gold wrapped around his waist.
When the unbeaten star was asked what could be for him after his upcoming collision with Charles Oliveira, Topuria Matchups closed against two of the best hunters in the division.
Although a fight between Topuria and Paddy Pimblett would be huge, 'El Matador' believes that his rival still has to earn a victory to achieve a title shot.
His similar comments regarding Arman Tsarukyan earned a fired reaction from the man who will be the back -up hunter in Las Vegas this weekend.
Although Tsarukyan is present in case something happens to one of the two men involved in the main event, Topuria has a different view of who should be the next.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Ilia Topuria claims that Justin Gaethje 'is the one who really deserves a title fight'
At least on paper, both Arman Tsarukyan and Paddy Pimblett are very logical for Ilia Topuria and he can win the empty lightweight title on 28 June.
'El Matador', however, believes that there is still a top name in the lightweight division that earns the next shot on the belt more.
Justin Gaethje has publicly spoke about the non -respected feeling of the UFC when he was not booked as half of the vacant title fight.
'The highlight' has gone so far to suggest that if he does not get a title fight, he will retire because he believes that the UFC owes him.
Topuria seems to share that position, as he revealed in a recent interview with Alvaro Colmenero.
Whether the UFC agrees with him or does not, it seems that the undefeated star would like to give Gaethje his wish if he was successful on 28 June.
Ilia Topuria, with me for Eurosport Spain, on the possible opponent if he wins: “The one who really earns a title fight immediately can be Justin Gaethje” 👀. pic.twitter.com/ynjsob0nbx
– Álvaro Colmenero (@kolmeneromma) 27 June 2025
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The case of Justin Gaethje for a lightweight title shot
Justin Gaethje may not be on the same winning series as Arman Tsarukyan or Paddy Pimblett, but his business for a title shot is very different.
'The highlight' fought for the last time for the lightweight title on UFC 274, where it was submitted by Charles Oliveira, since then went 3-1 in the Octagon.
His only loss in his last four trips was his UFC 300 defeat by Max Holloway, of which Gaethje does not believe he should influence his status in the lightweight division because it was more an exhibition fight.
With his last victory over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313, where he did the promotion a pleasure by agreeing to see an opponent that he has been defeated in the short term, Gaethje's opinion is that he is a title shot, which is why he has delivered an ultimatum.