UFC 317: The Battle for the Lightweight Championship and What’s Next
This weekend, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will witness a pivotal moment in its lightweight division as Ilia Topuria faces off against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. The stakes are high, with the winner being crowned the new UFC lightweight champion. As the division is stacked with talent, speculation is rife about who could be next in line to challenge the new champion.
Among the potential contenders is Arman Tsarukyan, who has been designated as the backup fighter for the title bout. Ranked at No.1 in the division, Tsarukyan boasts a four-fight win streak and a record of 9-2 in the octagon. His previous victory over Oliveira last year makes him a strong candidate to face the winner, especially if Oliveira emerges victorious.
Justin Gaethje, ranked at No.3, is another contender who could potentially face the new champion. With a recent win over Rafael Fiziev and a 3-1 record in his last four fights, Gaethje has been making a strong case for a title shot. However, his demands for a title fight have reportedly not been well received by the UFC, and his knockout loss to Max Holloway last year may raise some doubts.
Max Holloway, who is set to face Dustin Poirier at UFC 318, could also be in the mix for a title shot if he emerges victorious. His past victory over Gaethje and a potential win over Poirier could make a strong case for him to face the new champion, particularly if Charles Oliveira wins the title.
Lastly, Paddy Pimblett, the UK favorite, has been making waves in the division with his impressive win over Michael Chandler. Ranked at No.8, Pimblett may seem like an outsider, but his existing feud with Topuria and his rising star status make him a dark horse contender for a title shot in the future.
As the lightweight division continues to evolve, one thing is certain – the road to the championship will be filled with exciting matchups and unexpected twists. The winner of UFC 317 will have their work cut out for them, with a slew of hungry contenders waiting in the wings. Who will be the first to challenge the new champion, and how will the division unfold in the coming months? Only time will tell, but for now, all eyes are on Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira as they battle it out for the top spot.
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