Overview
- In a new Eldoberdan MMA interview, Topuria said he would submit Makhachev and warned he would "step on" Khabib Nurmagomedov’s head if he tried to intervene.
- Topuria alleged Makhachev has not signed to fight him and claimed he would put the welterweight champion to sleep.
- Seeking alternatives to a 155-pound matchup, Topuria proposed a welterweight or catchweight fight and floated a pound-for-pound framing.
- UFC 324 will feature Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title, with the winner slated to unify with Topuria after his hiatus.
- Nurmagomedov has stayed publicly detached as his team faces scrutiny over a teammate’s doping ban, while reports note Makhachev’s interest in Kamaru Usman for his next welterweight defense.