The UFC lightweight division is in a tricky spot! With champion Ilia Topuria taking a break, the 155-pound scene is in limbo. But here's the twist: the UFC had a plan, and it involved Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje.
MMA veteran Daniel Cormier dropped a bombshell, revealing the UFC's initial idea. They wanted Pimblett to face Gaethje, a fight that could have propelled Pimblett towards a title shot. Cormier believes a win over Gaethje would have solidified Pimblett's contender status, despite his young career. But there's a catch: Gaethje isn't interested in this matchup.
The veteran fighter has made it clear he's not keen on fighting Pimblett and even hinted at retirement if he doesn't get the next title shot. So, will Topuria's absence change Gaethje's mind? It's a tough call, especially with Gaethje seemingly enjoying his time away from the Octagon.
And this is where it gets intriguing: with Topuria's return date uncertain, the division's future is up in the air. Could this lead to a shift in plans, or will the UFC stick to their original vision? The fate of the lightweight division hangs in the balance, leaving fans eager for the next chapter in this unfolding story.