The UFC lightweight division is entering one of its most intriguing periods in recent memory. After UFC 317, Ilia Topuria cemented his place in UFC history by delivering a decisive knockout over former champion Charles Oliveira, becoming the first undefeated two-division champion in the promotion. This achievement instantly elevated him to superstar status, but it also raised questions about the future of the lightweight title. Who will challenge Topuria next, and what is his ultimate path to possibly becoming a triple champion? According to Arman Tsarukyan, a top contender in the division, the next fight for Topuria will likely be against Paddy Pimblett, before turning his attention to the welterweight division to possibly face Islam Makhachev.

A Rivalry Years in the Making

The Topuria-Pimblett rivalry is one of the UFC’s most heated and personal. It began in 2022 with a war of words that escalated during an incident in Manchester involving a hotel altercation with a hand sanitizer bottle. This confrontation may have seemed minor at the time, but it cemented a bitter feud between the two fighters, one that has captivated fans for years. The tension reached a new peak during International Fight Week, when Joe Rogan brought Pimblett into the cage for a face-off with Topuria. The encounter ended with Pimblett shoving Topuria, generating viral footage and widespread discussion among UFC fans. The intensity of this rivalry makes a fight between the two inevitable, at least according to insiders like Tsarukyan.

Pimblett’s case for a title shot is bolstered by his flawless UFC record. With seven consecutive wins inside the Octagon, Pimblett has demonstrated both finishing ability and consistency, qualities that the UFC often rewards with high-profile fights. His combination of marketability and in-ring performance positions him as a strong candidate for Topuria’s first 155-pound title defense.

Tsarukyan’s Perspective on the Next Challenger

Arman Tsarukyan, currently ranked #2 in the lightweight division, recently spoke to Sports24 about the likely trajectory of the division. According to him, both he and Justin Gaethje may be bypassed for a title shot in favor of Pimblett. “No, Gaethje won’t fight Topuria,” Tsarukyan stated. “It’s my opinion. The UFC can do whatever they want. The UFC could even put Topuria against a debutant. But I think it’s more likely to be Pimblett than Gaethje.”

This perspective highlights the complex nature of UFC matchmaking. Rankings and merit matter, but so do rivalries, fan engagement, and timing. Tsarukyan’s insight also suggests that the UFC is prioritizing marketable matchups that draw attention and revenue, a decision often observed in the history of high-profile fights. Pimblett’s undefeated streak and the ongoing tension with Topuria make this matchup particularly appealing for fans and promoters alike.

Topuria’s Potential Move to Welterweight

While Pimblett may be next, Tsarukyan believes that Topuria has bigger ambitions. He speculates that Topuria will not stay in the lightweight division for long. With Islam Makhachev potentially moving up to welterweight to challenge Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, Topuria might follow him to the 170-pound division. Tsarukyan elaborated, “I think he’ll defend his title. If Islam wins the [welterweight] title, [Topuria] will move up to 170 and want to become a triple champ.”

This ambition is significant because it suggests that Topuria is not only interested in defending his lightweight crown but also in pursuing historic achievements. A victory over Makhachev at welterweight would position him as the UFC’s first-ever triple champion, placing him in an elite category alongside other multi-division legends like Conor McGregor and Daniel Cormier, though he would hold the distinction of being undefeated across those divisions.

Topuria’s potential move to 170 pounds also has financial implications. A fight against Makhachev, one of the most dominant fighters of his generation, would command massive pay-per-view interest and purse potential, further incentivizing Topuria to follow the Dagestani star rather than face Tsarukyan immediately. According to Tsarukyan, “No, he won’t want to fight me because he can make more money fighting Islam, and he has the chance to become the first-ever triple champion in history and earn big money.”

Tsarukyan’s Own Career Trajectory

While speculating on Topuria’s future, Tsarukyan is also focused on his own career. His last UFC appearance was at UFC 300, where he narrowly defeated Charles Oliveira by split decision. Since that fight, Tsarukyan has remained active, particularly in grappling competitions. He recently defeated Patricky Pitbull by submission and is preparing for a no-gi match against former lightweight champion Benson Henderson in Moscow, demonstrating his continued dedication to improving his skills both in and out of the Octagon.

Looking ahead, Tsarukyan is reportedly scheduled to face Dan Hooker on November 22 at UFC Qatar. This matchup has all the makings of an exciting main event. For Tsarukyan, a victory over Hooker would solidify his position as a top lightweight contender, moving him closer to a potential title shot. For Hooker, the fight represents an opportunity to return to the top 10 after injuries and inconsistencies have hampered his career. Tsarukyan noted that while he has not yet received a formal contract for the bout, he believes the UFC is likely to finalize the matchup soon.

Implications for the Lightweight Division

The next phase of the lightweight division promises to be highly competitive and dynamic. With Topuria defending against Pimblett and potentially moving up to challenge Makhachev, the division will experience a shift in power dynamics. Tsarukyan, Gaethje, Hooker, and other top lightweights must carefully navigate this landscape, balancing strategic career moves with the unpredictable nature of UFC matchmaking.

Fans can expect high-stakes matchups, personal rivalries, and historic opportunities for fighters like Topuria, Pimblett, and Makhachev. The prospect of Topuria becoming the first triple champion in UFC history adds another layer of intrigue, as it would redefine what is possible in mixed martial arts and set new benchmarks for future champions.

Looking Ahead

As the lightweight division evolves, attention will be focused on several key events: Topuria’s anticipated defense against Pimblett, Makhachev’s move to welterweight, and Tsarukyan’s own climb toward another title opportunity. Each fighter’s decisions, victories, and performances will shape the UFC landscape for years to come.

For fans, the combination of personal rivalries, undefeated streaks, and historic ambitions promises a thrilling period for the UFC lightweight division. Topuria’s career trajectory, in particular, is being closely watched as he navigates the path from two-division champion to the potential first-ever triple champion. Meanwhile, contenders like Tsarukyan and Pimblett continue to position themselves strategically, ensuring that every fight carries both personal and professional significance.

In conclusion, Arman Tsarukyan’s prediction that Topuria will face Pimblett before setting his sights on Makhachev encapsulates the current state of the lightweight division: highly competitive, historically significant, and filled with rivalries that fans have eagerly followed for years. The coming months promise to be some of the most exciting in UFC history, with the potential for legendary fights and career-defining moments.