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.

Alexander Volkanovski could become UFC featherweight champion again without beating the man who took the title from him. After Ilia Topuria vacated the featherweight title, Volkanovski and Diego Lopes were called on to headline UFC 314 for the vacant belt.