Overview
- Topuria reiterated that his priority is a clash with welterweight champion Islam Makhachev and even proposed a catchweight “pound‑for‑pound” title to enable the fight.
- If a move to 170 is not approved, Topuria said he wants Paddy Pimblett for his next bout at lightweight.
- No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan bolstered his case with a second‑round submission of Dan Hooker in Qatar and accused Topuria of avoiding him.
- Makhachev, fresh off winning the welterweight belt, said it would take a very good offer to cut back to 155, clouding the path to a lightweight meeting.
- Spanish journalist Álvaro Colmenero reported Topuria is unlikely to fight in January or February, pointing to a spring return as UFC scheduling decisions continue.