Ilia Topuria criticizes Paddy Pimblett performance, confirms dual title plans

Ilia Topuria expressed disappointment with Paddy Pimblett's performance against Gaethe, stating he knew Pimblett was poor as a fighter but didn't realize how bad. Topuria confirmed that if he moves up to welterweight to fight Islam Makhachev, he will not be stripped of his featherweight title as he plans to continue defending at 155 pounds. Meanwhile, Jiri Prochazka revealed he can't let go of his loss even after the birth of his child, claiming he was at 40-50% power due to injury and fighting in sparring mode while waiting for the referee to stop the bout. Magomed Ankalaev, through Abdel Aziz, challenged Khalil Rountree to a striking masterclass, suggesting Rountree doesn't need the wrestling training he's doing with Khamzat Chimaev. The UFC made several fight announcements including Cory Sandhagen facing Bautista instead of O'Malley.