The UFC lightweight division has a vacant title and aging contenders. Former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria (16-0) and former lightweight titleholder Charles Oliveira (35-10, 1 NC) will fight for the vacant title at UFC 317 on June 28 during the UFC’s annual International Fight Week. Top pound-for-pound fighter Islam Makhachev vacated the 155-pound championship to move up to the welterweight division to challenge for a second UFC divisional title. Rising lightweight star Paddy Pimblett would personally rather see Oliveira win but knows if Topuria becomes champion that it could be beneficial to his career. After all, the two have history. “It’s probably better for me if Ilia wins the belt because he’ll probably call me out,” Pimblett told TNT Sports
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Paddy Pimblett: ‘If Ilia Topuria beats Charles Oliveira, it’s better for my career’ – MMA Weekly