Paddy Pimblett 'can't believe' his rival Ilia Topuria vacated the UFC title. Divisions apart no more with champion Topuria leaving the featherweight division behind, along with any chance for a title rematch against former champ Alexander Volkanovski.

For a long time, Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett's heated rivalry was restricted to social media, interviews and rare backstage confrontations. A fight between them isn't far-fetched now that Topuria moved to lightweight and Pimblett signed a major bout agreement for UFC 314.

Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) vacated his UFC featherweight title for a move up to 155 pounds. Pimblett doubts “El Matador” gets an immediate title shot at lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, and UFC CEO Dana White said it’s not a guarantee, either.

Ilia Topuria's decision to go up to lightweight has put the featherweight division in a state of uncertainty. The post Ilia Topuria Gets an Update for Alexander Volkanovski Rematch as Ex-UFC Champ Reveals Intentions Before UFC 314 appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Paddy Pimblett thinks Ilia Topuria ran from the UFC featherweight division due to rising contenders and a healthy Alex Volkanovski.

Ahead of his UFC 314 fight against Michael Chandler, Paddy Pimblett has named Ilia Topuria, Charles Oliveira, and Dustin Poirier as potential next opponents.