Overview
- Ilia Topuria continues to demand an immediate lightweight title fight against Islam Makhachev, citing his undefeated record and victories over top featherweights.
- Khabib Nurmagomedov remains firm in his stance that Arman Tsarukyan is a more competitive and deserving opponent for Makhachev, emphasizing Tsarukyan's experience at lightweight.
- Speculation has emerged, fueled by Colby Covington, that the UFC may schedule a Makhachev vs. Topuria fight during International Fight Week in Las Vegas this June, though this remains unconfirmed.
- Islam Makhachev's potential move to welterweight is on hold due to Belal Muhammad's championship reign, with Khabib asserting that relationships take precedence over title opportunities.
- Dustin Poirier has called for consistency in UFC policies, arguing that Makhachev should vacate his lightweight title if he pursues a welterweight fight, as Topuria had to do when moving divisions.