Overview
- Manager Ali Abdelaziz says the UFC will evaluate UFC 322 and the Arman Tsarukyan–Dan Hooker bout before booking Ilia Topuria’s first title defense.
- Dana White states no fight is finalized and the promotion is still determining what comes next for Topuria.
- Abdelaziz warns Justin Gaethje will retire if he is passed over for Paddy Pimblett and criticizes Pimblett’s recent opposition as a combined 0–13.
- Unconfirmed reports link a Topuria vs. Pimblett grudge match to the UFC’s first numbered event under the Paramount+ deal in early 2026, with Pimblett insisting he would beat the champion.
- Islam Makhachev faces welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 on Nov. 15, a result Abdelaziz claims could influence the lightweight picture, with a Topuria decision expected by month’s end.