Paddy Pimblett leads trader consensus for Ilia Topuria’s next opponent due to the pair’s long-running rivalry and the lightweight division’s current landscape. Topuria has been sidelined since losing his lightweight title via fourth-round corner stoppage to Justin Gaethje in June 2026 and is only now returning to training, with a likely early-2027 comeback. Pimblett, who submitted Benoit Saint-Denis in July and has no fight booked, has repeatedly positioned himself as the logical matchup, arguing Topuria is “damaged goods” after his first career defeat and that other top contenders are occupied. Arman Tsarukyan’s push toward a title shot against Gaethje and Gaethje’s uncertain future further narrow immediate options, leaving the grudge match as the standout possibility that aligns with both fighters’ timelines and promotional appeal.