Overview
- Topuria said his priority is a superfight with welterweight champion Islam Makhachev and, if that is unavailable, a grudge match with Paddy Pimblett.
- He proposed a catchweight “pound‑for‑pound” title as a workaround to face Makhachev without a full move to 170 pounds.
- The champion told Álvaro Colmenero he has had no approach from the UFC and “nothing on the horizon,” as separate reporting indicates January’s Paramount+ launch card is expected to feature other title plans.
- No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan, coming off a submission of Dan Hooker in Qatar, accused Topuria of avoiding him and called for an early‑2026 title date.
- Makhachev said returning to 155 would require a very lucrative offer and has discussed defending at welterweight, even naming Kamaru Usman as a preferred opponent.