Salahdine Parnasse targets former UFC champion Ilia Topuria

· Yahoo Sports

Salahdine Parnasse has wasted no time getting the attention of the big-name talent in his division since arriving in the UFC.

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The Frenchman entered the octagon with a lot of hype around his name. Considered one of the best fighters in the world not fighting under the UFC banner at the time, his debut came with much expectation. The 28-year-old lived up to the hype. It took Parnasse half a round to finish the tough, well-traveled Dan Hooker. Showing a lack of fear and comfort under the bright lights, Parnasse dismantled Hooker. It was a performance dreams are made of, but the lightweight isn’t satisfied just yet.

Less than two weeks out from his win at UFC Paris, Salahdine Parnasse has set his sights on the division’s elite. Initially, Parnasse called for a shot at Max Holloway after stunning the home crowd on September 5. A callout that was well-received by the UFC brass. But if he’s unsuccessful in his push for a Holloway fight, he has targeted another former UFC champion.

Amid his return to the octagon, Ilia Topuria has been drawing a lot of attention. Potential fights with Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett loom for Topuria, but he has another option.

Topuria announced his imminent comeback on social media earlier today. During the message, the knockout artist dared anybody to step up and face him in the wake of his recent defeat and the following doubt, saying:

“Final medical tests done. I’m back. To all the clowns who’ve been talking sh*t and counting me out this whole time, here I am. Now let’s see who’s got the balls.”

Salahdine Parnasse, hoping to capitalize on the opportunity, welcomed the Georgian back. But alongside his seemingly respectful message was an hourglass emoji, which possibly indicates Parnasse’s intention to face the fan favorite.

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