Overview
- Ilia Topuria says he has been contacted by no one at the UFC and has “nothing on the horizon” for his first lightweight title defense.
- Topuria names a superfight with welterweight champion Islam Makhachev as his top choice and, if not, a grudge match with Paddy Pimblett at 155 pounds, even floating a catchweight “pound‑for‑pound” belt as his own proposal.
- Arman Tsarukyan, fresh off a second‑round submission of Dan Hooker in Qatar, calls Topuria’s stance avoidance and insists he is the rightful next challenger.
- Islam Makhachev indicates he prefers defending at welterweight against Kamaru Usman, says returning to 155 would require a “very good offer,” and downplays an immediate shot for the long‑inactive Shavkat Rakhmonov.
- Unbeaten welterweight Michael Morales says the UFC told him he is a candidate to face Makhachev around June or July 2026 and is willing to fight Carlos Prates first, with Jorge Masvidal publicly endorsing Morales for a title shot.