Ilia Topuria stated that if he moves up to welterweight to fight Islam Makhachev, he will not be stripped of his featherweight title because he plans to continue defending the 145-pound belt. Topuria also expressed disappointment in Paddy Pimblett's performance against Renato Moicano, saying he knew Pimblett was a poor fighter but did not realize the extent. Jiri Prochazka discussed his loss, saying that after his injury he was only at 40-50 percent capacity and fought in sparring mode, waiting for the referee to stop the bout. Magomed Ankalaev called out Khalil Rountree, saying Rountree has been training wrestling with Khamzat Chimaev but won't need it, as Ankalaev intends to give him a 25-minute striking masterclass. The UFC also announced several fights including a tough matchup for Cory Sandhagen against Merab Dvalishvili instead of Sean O'Malley.
Ilia Topuria has made clear that a potential move up to welterweight to fight Islam Makhachev would not cost him his featherweight title, stating he intends to keep defending the 145-pound belt regardless of any crossover bout.
Topuria, known as "El Matador," carries a 17-1-0 record and currently sits second in the pound-for-pound rankings at just 29 years old. The Spain-based Georgian is technically listed in the lightweight division but holds the featherweight strap, landing 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy. His well-rounded game also includes 1.96 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, making him a credible threat across multiple disciplines.
Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion and the top pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, holds a 28-1-0 record at 34 years old. The Russian competes out of Eagles MMA and is one of the sport's elite grapplers, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 1.1 submission attempts, and posting a striking accuracy of 58 percent.
Topuria also commented on Paddy Pimblett's recent outing against Renato Moicano, saying he had long believed Pimblett's level to be limited but was surprised by the degree of that showing.
Elsewhere in the news cycle, Jiri Prochazka addressed his most recent loss, revealing he competed at only 40 to 50 percent capacity following an injury and described his approach as fighting in sparring mode while waiting for a stoppage. The Czech light heavyweight holds a 32-6-1 record, stands six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach, and ranks second in the division at 33 years old.
Magomed Ankalaev directed a callout at Khalil Rountree, dismissing any wrestling preparation Rountree may have done alongside Khamzat Chimaev and promising a 25-minute striking exhibition.
Why it matters
- Topuria insisting he retains the featherweight title adds a rare two-division dynamic to any potential Makhachev superfight
- Prochazka's injury admission raises questions about where the second-ranked light heavyweight stands heading into his next camp
- The Sandhagen-Dvalishvili booking hands the featherweight and bantamweight divisions both significant near-term consequences
