Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Topuria Targets Makhachev or Pimblett Next as Tsarukyan Demands Lightweight Title Shot

The champion says he has no formal offer, with Makhachev reluctant to return to 155 without a major deal.

Overview

  • Ilia Topuria says his priority is a superfight with Islam Makhachev, proposing either a move to welterweight or a catchweight “pound‑for‑pound” title, and he names Paddy Pimblett as his fallback opponent at lightweight.
  • Topuria tells journalist Álvaro Colmenero he has “nothing on the horizon” and has not been approached by the UFC about his first title defense.
  • Arman Tsarukyan, fresh off a dominant submission of Dan Hooker in Qatar, calls for the next title shot and accuses Topuria of avoiding him, while dismissing Pimblett’s credentials.
  • Makhachev, newly crowned at welterweight after UFC 322, says a “very good offer” would be required to cut back to 155 and has voiced interest in Kamaru Usman for his first 170‑pound defense.
  • Reports indicate UFC scheduling and broadcast plans, including a potential Paramount+ kickoff, are in flux, leaving Topuria’s first defense and opponent undecided.