Fights The UFC Needs To Make Next 👊 Four blockbuster matchups across the lightweight and welterweight divisions: 🥊 Justin Gaethje vs. Arman Tsarukyan 🥊 Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett 🥊 Islam Makhachev vs. Carlos Prates 🥊 Ian Machado Garry vs. Michael Morales Arman just scored a huge win over Mauricio Ruffy and immediately called for Gaethje, while Ian Garry has already said Michael Morales is the “only fight that makes sense” for him. With so much talent stacked across 155 and 170, the UFC has plenty of massive matchups to work with. Which fight are you booking first? 👀 #UFC #MMA #UFCFights #CombatSports #MMAFights
The UFC is being urged to move quickly on four high-profile matchups spanning the lightweight and welterweight divisions, with fighters on both sides already making their preferences public.
At 155 pounds, two of the most talked-about pairings involve lightweight champion Justin Gaethje and a potential collision between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett. Arman Tsarukyan, fresh off a significant victory over Mauricio Ruffy, wasted no time calling out Gaethje afterward. The American champion carries a 28-5 record and, at 37, remains one of the sport's most relentless finishers, landing 6.48 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy. Gaethje holds BMF title status and brings legitimate championship credentials to any negotiation.
Topuria, ranked first at lightweight and sitting atop the pound-for-pound rankings at just 29 years old, carries a 17-1 record and has drawn the attention of fifth-ranked Pimblett. The Spaniard out of Climent Club lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute and mixes in nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes, while also threatening with submissions. Pimblett, the 31-year-old Liverpudlian known as "The Baddy," posts an even busier output at 5.48 strikes per minute with 52 percent accuracy and has been vocal about wanting high-profile opponents.
At welterweight, Ian Machado Garry has publicly stated that Michael Morales is the only fight that makes sense for him right now, adding a further layer of urgency to the 170-pound picture.
Why it matters
- Gaethje vs. Tsarukyan pits the lightweight champion against a surging contender who is actively campaigning for the shot
- Topuria vs. Pimblett would be a striking-heavy clash between two of the division's most marketable names
- Makhachev vs. Prates adds another potential blockbuster to an already crowded 155-pound title picture
- Garry vs. Morales could serve as a welterweight eliminator with both fighters eager to make the match happen
