Overview

• Pimblett labeled Topuria’s ascent “the easiest road to the belt,” citing names like Ryan Hall, Bryce Mitchell and Josh Emmett on the champion’s path.
• Pimblett said Tsarukyan presents the harder fight due to his size and grappling, adding that styles would favor the No. 2 contender over the striker Topuria.
• Tsarukyan remains a top-ranked challenger but has been sidelined with a back injury since withdrawing from UFC 311, and he suggested the UFC may prioritize Topuria vs. Pimblett over other options.
• Topuria is the reigning lightweight champion after moving up from featherweight, where he previously knocked out Alexander Volkanovski before relinquishing that belt.
• Pimblett, ranked No. 7 after a TKO of Michael Chandler at UFC 314, rejected Topuria’s claim that he referenced a bombing in a past spat and publicly challenged the champion to fight at the Bernabéu.