Topuria says he won't be stripped if he moves up to fight Islam

Ilia Topuria stated he was disappointed with Paddy Pimblett's performance against Justin Gaethje, saying he knew Pimblett was a poor fighter but didn't realize how bad. Topuria also revealed 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 lightweight belt. Magomed Ankalaev (via Abdelaziz) challenged Khalil Rountree to a striking masterclass, suggesting Rountree's wrestling training with Chimaev is unnecessary. The UFC announced several new matchups that complicate Cory Sandhagen's situation by matching him with Merab Dvalishvili instead of Sean O'Malley.