Former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz commented on lightweight title contenders, noting the promotion’s choice will largely depend on financial benefit.
Dominick Cruz said on the Anik & Florian Podcast
This thing’s about paychecks at a time. Who’s the biggest prize? We all know the answer to this between those three [Tsarukyan, Gaethje and Pimblett]. So, if you’re smart, you take that fight like that guy’s the bag. Now, not to say the other guys aren’t good, but the problem is Paddy, it’s just that he promotes, he talks, he’s got a very big package. It just makes sense to make the most money with that fight.
Ilia Topuria last fought Charles Oliveira in June at UFC 317, winning by first‑round knockout to claim the UFC lightweight title. Topuria is 17–0.
Paddy Pimmlett last competed against Michael Chandler in April at UFC 314, winning by TKO in the third round. Pimblett’s record is 23 wins and 3 losses.
