Overview

• Negotiations are underway for Topuria’s inaugural lightweight defense, targeting a December event and featuring key contenders jockeying for position.
• Arman Tsarukyan claims he holds a 70 percent chance to face Topuria next and says discussions are focused solely on securing that title shot.
• UFC President Dana White has voiced skepticism about Tsarukyan’s late-notice withdrawal from UFC 311 and his backup role at UFC 317, suggesting those factors weaken his case.
• ESPN analyst Chael Sonnen has asserted that Topuria vs. Tsarukyan is already booked for December at T-Mobile Arena, though the promotion has not officially confirmed the bout.
• American Kickboxing Academy coach Javier Mendez praised Topuria’s rise and left open the possibility of a future superfight against Islam Makhachev after welterweight title outcomes.