Resolution criteria

This market will resolve to the fighter who is officially announced by the UFC as Ilia Topuria's next opponent in a sanctioned bout. The resolution will be based on official announcements from the UFC, reputable sports news outlets, or the UFC's official website.

Background

Ilia Topuria, known as "El Matador," is the current UFC Lightweight Champion with an undefeated record of 17–0. He recently secured the lightweight title by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 on June 28, 2025. (en.wikipedia.org)

Several fighters have been speculated as potential opponents for Topuria's next bout:

• Paddy Pimblett: Ranked #10 in the lightweight division, Pimblett has a 9-fight win streak and recently knocked out Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April 2025. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Justin Gaethje: Ranked #4, Gaethje has expressed interest in facing Topuria and has a recent victory over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Arman Tsarukyan: Ranked #2, Tsarukyan is on a 4-fight win streak, with his latest win against Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Dustin Poirier: Ranked #6, Poirier is scheduled to fight Max Holloway at UFC 318. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Dan Hooker: Ranked #7, Hooker is on a 3-fight win streak, with his latest win against Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Islam Makhachev: Former lightweight champion, currently ranked #1 in the division, with a 15-fight win streak. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Mateusz Gamrot: Ranked #8, Gamrot has a recent win against Ľudovít Klein at UFC on ESPN 68. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Max Holloway: Ranked #5, Holloway is scheduled to fight Dustin Poirier at UFC 318. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Renato Moicano: Ranked #12, Moicano recently lost to Beneil Dariush at UFC 317. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Alexander Volkanovski: Current Featherweight Champion, recently regained his title by defeating Diego Lopes at UFC 314. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Usman Nurmagomedov: A rising contender in the lightweight division, currently competing in Bellator MMA.

• Charles Oliveira: Former lightweight champion, recently lost to Topuria at UFC 317. (en.wikipedia.org)

Considerations

• Rivalries and Callouts: Topuria and Pimblett have a notable rivalry, with Pimblett expressing a strong desire to fight Topuria. (as.com)

• Upcoming Fights: Some potential opponents, such as Poirier and Holloway, have scheduled fights, which may affect their availability.

• Weight Class Transitions: Topuria has moved up from featherweight to lightweight, which may influence matchmaking decisions.

• Promotional Decisions: The UFC's matchmaking is influenced by fighter rankings, recent performances, marketability, and fan interest.