Overview

• Charles Oliveira said Arman Tsarukyan deserves the lightweight title shot and predicted Paddy Pimblett will not be selected next.
• Arman Tsarukyan predicted Ilia Topuria is more likely to defend against Pimblett than Justin Gaethje, framing it as his opinion on the UFC’s plans.
• Michael Chiesa urged the UFC to give Justin Gaethje the title fight, citing Gaethje’s body of work and limited time left in his career.
• No matchup for Topuria’s first lightweight defense has been announced as he publicly calls for a crossover bout with Terence Crawford.
• Oliveira is scheduled to headline UFC Rio against Rafael Fiziev on October 11 as he seeks to reassert himself in the 155-pound title race.