Ilia Topuria expressed disappointment with Paddy Pimblett's performance against Renato Moicano, stating he knew Pimblett was a poor fighter but didn't realize the extent. Topuria revealed 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 the 145-pound belt. Jiri Prochazka continues dwelling on his recent loss, stating he was at 40-50 percent strength after injury and fought in sparring mode while waiting for referee intervention. Magomed Ankalaev, through manager Ali Abdelaziz, called out Khalil Rountree, offering a 25-minute striking masterclass.
Ilia Topuria used a recent interview to take aim at Paddy Pimblett's showing against Renato Moicano, address his own divisional future, and the MMA world received further comments from both Jiri Prochazka and the camp of Magomed Ankalaev.
Topuria, ranked second at lightweight and first in the pound-for-pound standings with a 17-1-0 record, was blunt in his assessment of Pimblett, saying he already knew the Liverpool fighter was limited but was surprised by the full extent of what he saw. The 29-year-old Spaniard also moved to clarify his situation regarding a potential welterweight appearance against Islam Makhachev, stating he would not be stripped of any featherweight title if he travels up to 170 pounds — and that he intends to keep defending the 145-pound belt. Topuria averages 4.81 significant strikes per minute and lands at a 48 percent accuracy rate, making him one of the more prolific offensive fighters in the sport.
Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion carrying a 28-1-0 record, is a dominant grappler who averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submission attempts in the same window. The 34-year-old Russian also sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings and would represent a significant stylistic challenge for any opponent.
Prochazka, ranked second at light heavyweight with a 32-6-1 record, continued to address his recent defeat, claiming he was operating at only 40 to 50 percent capacity due to injury and described his approach inside the cage as closer to a sparring session while he waited for referee stoppages. The Czech fighter stands six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach and is one of the more aggressive strikers in the division at 5.69 significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- Topuria's title retention plan could set up a rare simultaneous two-division championship run
- A Topuria versus Makhachev crossover fight would pit the top two pound-for-pound fighters against each other
- Prochazka's injury admission adds context to his loss and keeps his light heavyweight contender status in focus
- Ankalaev calling out Khalil Rountree signals movement at the top of the light heavyweight division
