3 lightweight superfights that Dana White must book if Ilia Topuria fights for undisputed title

With Ilia Topuria facing either Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira, the UFC brass needs to scoop up big lightweight super fights.

3 lightweight superfights that Dana White must book if Ilia Topuria fights for undisputed title

UFC lightweight bangers to make without Ilia Topuria, Charles Oliveira or Islam Makhachev (Source: IMAGO)

As is the norm, former 145-pound king Ilia Topuria has made all the ruckus about himself and driven up the price of the bargain. This time, though, Topuria has relinquished his 145-pound stake to try his luck at lightweight. The UFC 155-pound roster is convoluted with top talents eyeing the same spot.

An Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev PPV title super fight has been the talk of town for some time now. The lightweight king himself has discredited such a thing from happening, given ‘La Leyenda‘ marks another featherweight name. The Spaniard has also saved the date for a title crack against Charles Oliveira.

He has angled for the UFC 317 PPV main event during IFW festivities, going live on 26 June in Las Vegas with the return of UFC X and the HOF schedule. Topuria did eye a top contender PPV title scrap with ‘Do Bronxs’ when he teased a lightweight move. Oliveira, too, is ready for it, given he has had a 155-pound top seed promise for a while. But he has demanded it for the gold.

Now, other contenders will be left hungry for more if Topuria does battle it out with either of the two. Here is a brief look at some top matchups UFC headman Dana White and matchmakers can make to keep the hype going.

3. Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker

If former featherweight Ilia Topuria gets booked against Charles Oliveira, Islam Makhachev has his avenue to pursue a course at welterweight. Given that White isn’t keen on double-champs anymore, this could be the natural course he veers to. With two hefty names battling for a then-vacant spot, the division would scramble to settle itself into top contenders.

Two names that lost to UFC lightweight champ Islam Makhachev can duke it out
Two names that lost to UFC lightweight champ Islam Makhachev can duke it out (Source: X)

Not too long ago, Arman Tsarukyan was the legit 155-pound top seed for Islam Makhachev’s gold. He might again scrap to achieve the same. Despite his UFC 311 PPV title pullout, he still ranks next in the UFC lightweight athlete listings. Tsarukyan also touts a win over Charles Oliveira, the next name with such a promise.

While not a proper breakout story this 2024 season, Dan Hooker has been a headturner. Team CKB NZ’s ‘Hangman’ is on a three-fight streak. His last win was as fresh as the UFC 305: Du Plessis vs. Adesanya PPV main card; one over Mateusz Gamrot. Both he and Tsarukyan have a fumble each against the champ and want that top spot. Both have been squabbling over it. With the Armenian back to square one, this provides a unique placement and a good lightweight scrapper.

2. Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier for the BMF title

The “BMF” silver has been contested at the 155-pound mark before, and it was glorious. The man who hogged that buzzer-beater glory – Max Holloway – last lost to Ilia Topuria. He has since made a more permanent move to the lightweight roster as well.

There's brawlers who can matchup to Ilia Topuria in a standup and earn a crack
There’s brawlers who can matchup to Ilia Topuria in a standup and earn a crack (Source: X)

A similar warrior who is gunning for a good bow out is Dustin Poirier; the duo have had history already. They fought at UFC 143: Diaz vs. Condit and then again at UFC 236: Holloway vs. Poirier 2. A trilogy between the boxers for the “Baddest of all” moniker would be roof-shattering. It would also bolster them for lightweight title shots down the line.

If Topuria were to get his chance and win, and so did Holloway, it’d set up a barnburner sequel. Lafayette lightweight veteran Poirier was a recent title challenger who lost to Islam Makhachev after a good run and carried enough momentum. If he were to win this one, a Topuria vs. Poirier boxing battle is already on the rumor mill. It’s a win-win for the warriors and the fans watching!

1. Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett

Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett are the top hot names that make the best case for a crack at UFC lightweight gold. Gaethje’s 14 UFC fight night bonuses since 2017 are tied for the most among fighters. Pimblett’s seven-fight UFC win streak at lightweight is the second-longest active behind champ Islam Makhachev.

Two brand names deserve the lightweight top spot more than anyone
Two brand names deserve the lightweight top spot more than anyone (Source: X)

The Dagestani has agreed that human ‘Highlight’ Gaethje makes a good change of pace from featherweight names and deserves a crack. Meanwhile, new blood, ‘The Baddy’ is not far behind with top-notch performances. He is also undefeated and is gunning for names like Charles Oliveira, Poirier, after some banter and bashing, and Gaethje himself. As such, this could be one for ages.

Also Read: Ilia Topuria faces rejection from Charles Oliveira as former champ sets eyes on Dagestani