Ilia Topuria eyes Paddy Pimblett for first UFC title defense, calling it an easy fight and promising to shine once again in front of fans worldwide.

And despite Dana White criticizing Gaethje’s threat to retire if he doesn’t get a title shot next, Topuria’s manager Lukasz Orzel recently told Kanał Sportowy that the former interim champ is the “closest” to getting the fight.

Pimblett, currently ranked No. 10 in the UFC lightweight division, has hinted at a two-step plan for the short-term future: dethrone Topuria, then jump to welterweight—with Jack Della Maddalena as the current champion—to chase a second belt.