Topuria plans to defend lightweight title while pursuing Islam superfight

Ilia Topuria expressed disappointment with Paddy Pimblett's performance against Renato Moicano, saying he knew Pimblett was a poor fighter but didn't realize the extent of it. Topuria also discussed his potential move to welterweight for a fight with Islam Makhachev, clarifying that he would not be stripped of his featherweight title because he plans to continue defending the 145-pound belt. Jiri Prochazka revealed he was operating at only 40-50 percent capacity after his injury and was in sparring mode during his recent fight, waiting for the referee to stop it. Magomed Ankalaev, through manager Ali Abdelaziz, challenged Khalil Rountree to a striking-focused bout. The UFC also announced several matchups, including a difficult assignment for Cory Sandhagen against Umar Nurmagomedov instead of Sean O'Malley.