Ilia Topuria's stunning knockout victory over Charles Oliveira has sent shockwaves through the UFC, leaving fans and analysts buzzing about his next move. The question isn't *if* he'll fight next, but *who* will dare step into the octagon with the two-division champion? We assembled a panel of experts to dissect the most intriguing options, balancing the heat of a potential matchup with its sheer absurdity.
One highly debated possibility is a crossover boxing match against Terence Crawford. While the financial allure is undeniable, the experts are divided. While the potential for mainstream buzz is significant, given the parallels to the Mayweather-McGregor spectacle, many argue that such a matchup would be a mismatch, undermining Topuria's hard-earned MMA dominance.
Another contender is Paddy Pimblett. Their existing rivalry adds a layer of personal intensity, promising a highly anticipated, and potentially explosive, clash. While Pimblett might not be the most deserving contender on paper, his popularity and Topuria's recent focus on more experienced opponents add an intriguing dynamic to the potential bout.
A more traditional contender, Arman Tsarukyan, presents a compelling narrative. He is technically the number one contender, adding a sense of legitimacy to this matchup. Yet, despite his skill and ranking, the promotional appeal of a fight with Tsarukyan is significantly lower than some of the other possibilities.
Finally, the ultimate clash of titans: Islam Makhachev versus Ilia Topuria. This matchup would pit the top two pound-for-pound fighters against each other, generating massive hype. However, the feasibility of this fight is low. Topuria's relatively recent lightweight title win and Makhachev's pursuit of welterweight glory create significant obstacles.
Ultimately, the decision of who Topuria fights next is a complex one, balancing merit, marketability, and the desire for an exciting spectacle. Each matchup offers a unique blend of risk and reward, ensuring a compelling future for 'El Matador' – whatever path he chooses.
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Originally published at: https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/404544/roundtable-who-should-ilia-topuria-fight-next
