If one of the UFC’s most promising rising stars can notch the biggest victory of his career this weekend, his attention will quickly shift to future showdowns with Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett.
Topuria and Pimblett’s long-standing rivalry—already one of the most explosive in the sport—could soon take centre stage in the lightweight division, especially with Topuria preparing to permanently move up from featherweight. The two have clashed repeatedly in interviews and on social media, with their feud nearly spilling into a full-blown brawl during a heated confrontation in London.
Before the spotlight pivots to title fights and divisional reshuffling, UFC Vegas 107 at the Apex represents a golden opportunity for Ľudovít Klein to announce himself as a legitimate threat at 155 pounds.
And Klein knows it. Determined to seize the moment, the Slovakian lightweight has made it clear that this weekend could mark the beginning of his path toward marquee matchups. This is including against “The Baddy” and “El Matador.”
Ľudovít Klein Eyes Breakthrough Moment Against Gamrot, Targets Pimblett and Topuria Next
One of the card’s most intriguing—and unexpected—matchups pits top-10 lightweight Mateusz Gamrot against the unranked but surging Klein. Despite holding a victory over current top contender Arman Tsarukyan, Gamrot finds himself facing an opponent outside the rankings. This is a reflection of both Klein’s momentum and the UFC’s confidence in his potential.
Riding a seven-fight unbeaten streak, Klein is stepping into the biggest fight of his career. At 30 years old, this is his first opportunity to break into the division’s top 15. Klein is fully aware of the stakes.
“Finally, with this kind of fight, I can show everybody what I’m capable of,” Klein told E. Spencer Kyte for UFC.com. “I’m excited to show the world that I deserve to be in the top 15, top 10.”
And Klein isn’t shy about his ambitions.
“There are a lot of good names for me,” he said. “When I beat Mateusz Gamrot, I think I’ll be one or two fights away from going for the belt. I want to fight Paddy Pimblett—I’ve wanted that for a long time. But the name I’m really after is Ilia Topuria.”
With his most high-profile bout just days away, Klein is preparing not only to shock a top-10 opponent but, also to position himself for high-stakes clashes with two of the division’s most charismatic stars.
All Eyes on Ilia Topuria Ahead of Lightweight Shake-Up
Klein, of course, won’t be the only lightweight aiming at Ilia Topuria. This is especially if the Spaniard delivers at UFC 317 during International Fight Week in late June.
Topuria is set to headline the pay-per-view against former champion Charles Oliveira. This is with the two vying for the vacant lightweight title. The bout comes in the wake of Islam Makhachev’s decision to relinquish the belt. This is due to his anticipated move up to welterweight.
Should Topuria live up to his billing as the favourite and derail Oliveira’s bid for a second reign, the focus of the entire division will shift squarely onto the undefeated Spanish phenom.
For Klein and others on the rise, that could mark the beginning of a new chapter—one where a win this weekend might just open the door to a future shot at gold.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
