Topuria says he'd remain lightweight champ while fighting Islam at welterweight

Ilia Topuria expressed disappointment in Paddy Pimblett's performance against Gage, saying he knew Paddy was a weak fighter but didn't realize how much. Topuria revealed that if he moves up to welterweight to fight Islam Makhachev, he will not be stripped of his lightweight title, as he plans to continue defending the 145-pound belt. Meanwhile, Jiri Prochazka said he has been unable to move past his recent loss even after the birth of his child, claiming he was operating at only 40-50% power after his injury and fighting in sparring mode while waiting for the referee to stop the bout. Magomed Ankalaev (through Abdelaziz) issued a callout to Khalil Rountree, saying Rountree doesn't need the wrestling he's been training with Khamzat Chimaev, and that Ankalaev wants to give him a 25-minute striking masterclass if Rountree can last that long.