Topuria criticizes Pimblett performance, reveals UFC lightweight title defense plans

Ilia Topuria expressed disappointment with Paddy Pimblett's performance against Gage, stating he knew Pimblett was a poor fighter but didn't realize the extent. Topuria also revealed his plans to defend the lightweight title if he moves up to welterweight to fight Islam Makhachev, saying he would not be stripped of the 145-pound belt as his intention is specifically to defend the lightweight championship. Meanwhile, Jiří Procházka continues dwelling on his loss even after the birth of his child, claiming he was operating at 40-50% capacity after injury and fighting in sparring mode while waiting for the referee to intervene. Magomed Ankalaev, through Abdel Aziz, called out Khalil Rountree, suggesting Rountree's wrestling training with Khamzat Chimaev is unnecessary and offering to deliver a 25-minute striking masterclass.