Overview

• Sean O’Malley has publicly endorsed Paddy Pimblett as Topuria’s first lightweight defense, calling it a high-profile grudge match between rivals.
• No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan accused Topuria of avoiding legitimate threats and asserted that he could finish the champion if given the opportunity.
• Alexander Volkanovski outlined a blueprint to dethrone Topuria, advising a wrestling-heavy tactic to test his gas tank and wear down his precision striking.
• Topuria ruled out any rematch with Alexander Volkanovski and has not yet selected an opponent, with names like Pimblett, Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje and Islam Makhachev in contention.
• Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen have backed Topuria’s rise to the top of the UFC pound-for-pound rankings, as fans rallied behind him after Josh Emmett questioned his knockout power.