the UFC He has many fighters whom he wants to pamper so that the economic wheel remains profitable. One of them Ilya Topuriais an undefeated and two-time UFC lightweight champion, having also been a featherweight champion.
Dana Whitethe leader of the company, needs the Georgian Hispanic to put his belt on the line, especially now that a new television contract is going into effect soon, although he still… There is no specific discount. It is true that there are many fighters who want to challenge for the title, but only two are in a good position to be true contenders. And they both couldn’t even see Topuria.
Paddy Pimblett embodies the image that the company wants to exploit in its new phase
Paddy Pimblett He heads the commercial side. The Briton, born in Liverpool and famous for his confidence on the nets, has proven himself to beOr a media personality It exceeds its competitive record. His rise up the lightweight rankings responds less to results than to his ability to attract a crowd.
For the company, the confrontation between Pimblett and Topuria means a… Confirmed promotional paymentAn opportunity to open his new television stage with a widely followed fight. The possibility therefore remains open, although the Englishman’s sporting merits are still up for debate.
His rivalry with Topuria adds fuel to the public interest. Both of them were involved in quarrels in London and Doha, where they were located They insulted each other at the fighters’ hotel and had tension during the weigh-in. The origin of the confrontation goes back to the Englishman’s statements about the Georgians, which provoked the hero’s reaction. since then, Verbal clashes multiplied. Even as Topuria received the new belt, Pimblett stormed the octagon to confront the champion. He even stated in later interviews with ESPN: “I hate him. I want to distort it“The UFC has taken advantage of this controversy to promote a potential fight.
Arman Tsarukyan earned his sporting right to compete for the title after his recent victory
Arman Tsarukyan It represents the other side of the decision. The fighter, of Armenian origin, was installed in No. 1 in the rankingstrengthened his position with an indisputable victory over Dan Hookp at the event held in Qatar. His technical performance, backed by a base of Greco-Roman wrestling, gives him a nomination that is difficult to refute.
Many analysts considered that his performance placed him in first place The strongest competitor to challenge the champion. The physicality, consistency of his game, and ability to finish fights with submission cement his status as a legitimate contender.
Topuria himself met Tsarukyan in Doha, during the evening he defeated his brother Alexander with Makhan’s punches. The two crossed paths in the hallways without anything of note happening, although a video of the moment, later posted on social media, sparked controversy.
Topuria posted it in a sarcastic tone, indicating that the Armenian avoided confrontation: “Arman, every time we see each other in person…freezing like a frightened duck without knowing what to doShortly after, Tsarukyan responded to his networks to deny this and clarify that there was no kind of tension in that meeting and challenged him again: “If you want to know what a real spanking feels like, I’d be happy to teach you.“.
The UFC’s internal negotiations keep the fighters and the audience in suspense
Despite expectations, The fight remains uncontracted. The UFC remains silent as it negotiates the final events of the year under its old television agreement. Until that stage is closed, the calendar remains blocked. Only two evenings left before The new agreement with Paramount enters into forceThe company plans to book its first major event of 2026 for an event like no other. This wait keeps the fans and competitors in suspense.
Within the company, a movement is being studied that will change the sporting system. Ariel HelwaniThe journalist specializing in mixed martial arts announced that the organization may open its new session with A bout between Topuria and Pimblett, leaving Tsarukyan waiting to face the winner. The maneuver would allow the Englishman’s popularity to be exploited and guarantee a second big date with the Armenian as a prize for the winner. The proposal, which is not yet official, prolongs the uncertainty over the champion’s calendar. However, this man of Spanish-Georgian origin has said on more than one occasion that he prefers English.
The strategic background explains the lack of advertising. White and Hunter Campbell, responsible for combat planning, They weigh each scenario based on its business implications. If the goal is to increase viewership for a TV premiere, Pimblett has an advantage. If competitive cohesion prevails, Tsarukyan appears to be the only coherent option. Between both alternatives, Topuria’s immediate future is decided, as he awaits instructions while training with his brother.
Solve the issue It will determine the sports line for next year. A duel with Tsarukyan would bolster the champion’s credibility against a more demanding lightweight contender, while a bout with Pimblett would confirm the company’s media priority. The election will not only determine the next candidate; What kind of UFC wants to showcase its new phase.
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