Arman Tsarukyan has characterized a potential matchup between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett as a 50-50 contest, citing the unpredictable nature of both fighters’ current trajectories. Following his own victory over Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331, the lightweight contender emphasized that while Topuria possesses elite finishing power, Pimblett’s durability and conditioning create a unique stylistic challenge.
Tsarukyan’s Assessment of the Lightweight Matchup
In an interview conducted on September 22, Tsarukyan offered a dual-path analysis of how a fight between the two could unfold. He noted that the result hinges on whether Topuria can secure an early stoppage or if the fight evolves into a prolonged physical engagement. “It’s hard. It depends how Ilia is going to look,” Tsarukyan stated. “Either he’s going to look super good and knock out Paddy, or he’s going to lose to him bad because Paddy has a good chin.”
Tsarukyan highlighted that Pimblett’s ability to absorb damage and maintain a high pace in the cage serves as a significant hurdle. While Topuria has built his reputation on precise, knockout-oriented striking, the Armenian fighter suggests that if the initial power shots fail to end the contest, the momentum could shift in favor of the Englishman.
The Evolution of Topuria After His First Professional Defeat
Topuria enters this stage of his career following his first professional loss, a defeat against Justin Gaethje that stripped him of his lightweight title. Despite the setback, Tsarukyan does not believe the loss will necessarily diminish Topuria’s performance. Instead, he posited that the experience could serve as a catalyst for growth.
“Maybe he’s going to be more motivated and more hungry, and he’s going to lock in and become way better than he was before,” Tsarukyan remarked. This perspective reflects the high level of uncertainty currently surrounding the former champion as he evaluates his next opponent.
Context of the Lightweight Division
The division remains in a state of flux. Topuria is currently weighing his options for a return to the octagon, with a potential rematch against Gaethje or a high-profile bout against Pimblett circulating as primary topics in the MMA community. For Pimblett, a fight against a former champion like Topuria represents a significant opportunity to climb the rankings, building on the momentum of his recent performances in the UFC.
The two fighters have shared a long-standing verbal rivalry, which has fueled speculation about a potential meeting for years. While the UFC has not officially scheduled the match, interest from both parties and the current state of the lightweight rankings keep it as a viable prospect for matchmakers.
Next Steps for the Contenders
As of late September 2026, no official announcement regarding the next opponent for either fighter has been released. The decision rests with the UFC leadership and matchmakers, who must determine if a bout between Topuria and Pimblett fits the current title picture, especially as contenders like Tsarukyan continue to press their own claims for a championship opportunity. Topuria is currently in the process of finalizing his next career move following his medical clearance after the loss to Gaethje.
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