Ilia Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett Without Title Good Enough for Getting Conor McGregor-like Treatment, Says Dana White

Ilia Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett could get similar treatment to Conor McGregor as the demand for a superfight is very high.

Ilia Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett Without Title Good Enough for Getting Conor McGregor-like Treatment, Says Dana White

Dana White excited about Ilia Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett (Image via talkSPORT/Facebook)

Ilia Topuria returning to public limelight has sparked excitement about his impending UFC return. Fans want to know how Topuria will fare against the top lightweights after getting brutally beaten up by Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.

Recently, Dana White spoke about his matchmakers keeping contact with ‘El Matador.’ As such, the UFC CEO revealed that Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett are the two huge names awaiting Topuria when he returns. A title rematch with Gaethje is definitely a headlining bout in a major arena.

Meanwhile, the UFC rarely puts a non-title fight in the main event of numbered events. The only exception to that trend is Conor McGregor. The Irish superstar recently headlined UFC 329 without a title on the line. As such, many wonder if Topuria vs Pimblett will get the same treatment.

Both Topuria and Pimblett are superstars in their own right even if their star status doesn’t come close to Conor McGregor. Nevertheless, the UFC CEO was optimistic about Topuria vs Pimblett potentially headlining a UFC numbered event without any championship on the line.

That fight is massive. Everybody’s been asking me you know what’s going to happen. Topuria wants to come back. Let me tell you this, it’s a good problem to have you know – Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett. Whichever direction this ends up going in, we all win.

Dana White via UFC on Paramount+

All the recent buzz surrounding Topuria happened after his viral video on social media where he penned an emotional letter to his son. Soon, UFC commentator Jon Anik revealed that the promotion had an internal discussion to book a rematch between Gaethje and Topuria.

Nothing is set in stone at the moment as White refused to reveal when ‘El Matador’ could return to the octagon. It is unclear if the return of Topuria happens in late 2026 or early 2027. However, one thing is clear. Paddy Pimblett wants to compete one more time this year.

Next week, Arman Tsarukyan faces Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331. The Armenian contender has remained in the bad books of Dana White since pulling out of UFC 311.

With that, Pimblett may end up facing the winner of Tsarukyan vs Ruffy or even BMF champion Charles Oliveira if the promotion decides to go ahead with Gaethje vs Topuria 2.

The reaction to booking a rematch between Gaethje and Topuria has received mixed response. A former UFC champion has come to reject such matchmaking efforts.

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Former UFC champion rejects title rematch for Ilia Topuria in favor for Paddy Pimblett matchup

The major argument to not wanting Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje rematch is the way in which the first fight ended. Topuria’s elder brother, Aleksandre Topuria, stopped the fight after the fourth round ended.

Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria with Dana White
Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria with Dana White (Image via BBC)

At first, many thought that Topuria quit in his corner after the fourth round ended. It was later shown that his elder brother eventually took that decision. This was indirectly mentioned by Belal Muhammad on his YouTube channel.

The former welterweight champion also revealed what matchup made sense for Topuria after losing for the first time in his career.

What do I think about it? I don’t think Topuria deserves it. It was a great fight, but he made you quit. Let’s get you another fight, Paddy Pimblett’s right there, I think the Paddy Pimblett fight makes the most sense

Belal Muhammad via his YouTube Channel

The history between Pimblett and Topuria is so compelling that fans have always wanted to see them fight inside the octagon. At the moment, the promotion is deciding whether it should happen with or without a title on the line or a lucrative rematch against Gaethje makes more sense.

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