Overview

• Khabib Nurmagomedov told Kamil Gadzhiyev he favors Arman Tsarukyan “80–20,” citing wrestling, grappling, elbows on the ground, distance control and a size edge.
• Ilia Topuria won the vacant lightweight belt in June by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
• Arman Tsarukyan is the No. 1 contender, though his late withdrawal from a planned January title fight led Dana White to say he must fight his way back.
• Daniel Cormier called Tsarukyan the toughest current matchup for Topuria but declined to label him definitively the division’s best.
• With no defense announced, Islam Makhachev said Tsarukyan “should be next,” while discussion also includes Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, who has hinted at a title shot and drew Chael Sonnen’s view as a bigger-gate opponent for Topuria.