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Former UFC champion Henry Cejudo believes that the UFC needs to book a fight between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett.

The future of Ilia Topuria in the Ultimate Fighting Championship is unclear. While he will almost certainly fight again for the promotion, and may even do so before the end of the year, there are a few different opponents he could face – most notably Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett.

RELATED: Ilia Topuria should face Paddy Pimblett next, says former UFC champion

Ilia Topuria has obviously already lost to Gaethje back at UFC Freedom 250, whereas Pimblett is someone that he has been feuding with away from the cage for literal years now.

In a recent interview, Henry Cejudo gave his thoughts on Ilia Topuria's next fight.

Cejudo wants Ilia Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett

“Justin Gaethje ain't giving that opportunity,†Cejudo told MMA Junkie. “Remember: Fighters have leverage. Justin Gaethje has one year to say ‘yes, I want to fight' or ‘no, I do not want to fight.' The UFC don't want to do that, especially after the no mas thing. That ain't it. But also because of entertainment, I could see it happening. But also competitively and knowing Justin Gaethje, he ain't going to give him that opportunity.â€

“It's not just losing,†Cejudo said. “It's getting your ass kicked and getting beat up. Getting beat up, it takes a minute for your brain to come back and your spirit to come back and be like, ‘I think I want to do this again.' Ilia needs to fight ‘Paddy the Baddy.' Put the sanitizer sh*t to bed. It's the perfect storyline. I think ‘Paddy the Baddy' would be the perfect match for him to come back to. He has to. If he claims everything he is then he needs to get back in there and beat Paddy, and the winner fights Justin Gaethje.â€

Quotes via MMA Junkie

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UFC heavyweight Curtis Blaydes has discussed his future in the promotion after his triumph over Waldo Cortes-Acosta.

It feels like forever since Curtis Blaydes was first viewed as a real contender in the UFC heavyweight division. He always seems to get right to the cusp of earning a world championship opportunity, only to fall short at the final hurdle.

RELATED: Curtis Blaydes makes interesting suggestion for Josh Hokit: “I would be having serious discussions†after UFC Freedom 250

Now, though, Curtis Blaydes will be hoping his time has finally come after a solid win over Waldo Cortes-Acosta put him right back in the hunt.

In an interview following the bout, Curtis Blaydes opened up on what the future could hold for him in the UFC.

Curtis Blaydes looks to the future

“The rankings don't mean a damn thing to me no more. I no longer respect them. I'm not even going to look at them. That's why I don't really know where everyone is, but I hope to get a top 5 opponent next.â€

“As we're getting older, we don't just want to be fighting anybody, because you could always get injured,†Blaydes said. “You could break the hand, break the toe, break anything. So yeah, I'm not just fighting just anybody. Like, I took this fight because he was ranked above me, had a lot of steam, even though he just lost to Volkov. He's been very active, he's got a lot of highlights. That's why we took this fight in his hometown. I'm looking for, like I said, a top 5 guy.

“Like, I'm thinking about that game, Chutes and Ladders. As few steps as I can take to get here. If I can chute here, and chute here – that's what I'm looking to do. It just depends on the rankings, I guess.â€

Quotes via MMA Junkie

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UFC veteran Brian Ortega has released a statement after withdrawing from his UFC 331 rematch against Renato Moicano.

Former title challenger Brian Ortega has been responsible for some incredible moments and finishes during his tenure with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. However, he has also been part of some pretty devastating losses, including a few really crucial title defeats.

RELATED: Brian Ortega opens up on toxic relationship with UFC star Tracy Cortez: ‘I f***** up!'

At UFC 331, though, Brian Ortega wanted to put that all behind him and focus on trying to get through Renato Moicano, a man who he already beat just under a decade ago.

In a recent statement posted to Instagram, Brian Ortega reacted to the news that he will be withdrawing from the contest due to an eye injury.

Brian Ortega releases UFC 331 statement

“This one hurts.

“I have to pull out of the fight because of the stitches in my eye. I'm on weight, I've been training my ass off, and this has honestly been one of the best camps I've ever had.

“I was really looking forward to fighting at home in Los Angeles in front of my family, friends, and everyone who's been supporting me.

“My next fight is in soon, so I'm getting right back to training. We've brought some new people into camp and I'm excited to show you guys a new side of me.

“Thank you to everyone who's been supporting me through all of this. I'll see you guys in November.â€

Ortega has certainly been on a rollercoaster ride throughout the course of his mixed martial arts career, and he isn't the biggest fan favorite in the world. Still, we can all hope that he gets back in there soon and stays healthy.

Do you want to see them run this fight back in the future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!

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