And despite Dana White criticizing Gaethje’s threat to retire if he doesn’t get a title shot next, Topuria’s manager Lukasz Orzel recently told Kanał Sportowy that the former interim champ is the “closest” to getting the fight.

Ilia Topuria eyes Paddy Pimblett for first UFC title defense, calling it an easy fight and promising to shine once again in front of fans worldwide.

Pimblett (23-3 MMA, 7-0 UFC) was in attendance when Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) knocked out Charles Oliveira to claim the lightweight title in this past Saturday's UFC 317 headliner at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Pimblett faced off with Topuria in the octagon, and the pair have continued to go at each other ever since.