Ilia Topuria revealed that if he moves up to welterweight to face Islam Makhachev, he will not be stripped of his featherweight title because he plans to defend the 145-pound belt. Topuria also expressed disappointment in Paddy Pimblett's performance against Renato Moicano, stating he knew Pimblett was a poor fighter but didn't realize the extent. Meanwhile, Jiri Prochazka said his injury left him at 40-50% capacity during his recent loss and he expected the referee to stop the fight. Magomed Ankalaev issued a callout to Khalil Rountree, offering a striking-focused bout. The UFC also announced several new matchups including Cory Sandhagen versus Mario Bautista.
Ilia Topuria has clarified that a potential move up in weight to challenge Islam Makhachev would not cost him his featherweight title, insisting he intends to defend the 145-pound belt regardless of any lightweight campaign.
Topuria, 29, is currently ranked second in the pound-for-pound standings and carries a 17-1-0 record. The Spain-based Georgian fighter, known as "El Matador," competes out of Climent Club and has built a reputation as one of the sport's most dangerous finishers, averaging 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy. His comments suggest he views himself as a dual-division threat rather than a fighter abandoning his current championship.
Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion and the top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the world, holds a 28-1-0 record and is widely regarded as the division's most complete operator. The 34-year-old Russian, fighting out of Eagles MMA, is a relentless grappler who averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands submissions at a rate of 1.1 attempts per 15 minutes, making any striking-heavy opponent a natural stylistic contrast.
Elsewhere in the interview, Topuria offered sharp criticism of Paddy Pimblett following his performance against Renato Moicano, saying he already viewed Pimblett as a poor fighter but was surprised by the degree of the showing.
Jiri Prochazka also addressed his recent loss, revealing he was operating at just 40 to 50 percent capacity due to injury and had expected the referee to stop the contest before it concluded. The Czech light heavyweight, ranked second in his division with a 32-6-1 record, is six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach and averages a striking output of 5.69 significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- Topuria retaining featherweight gold while pursuing a lightweight title shot would make him a simultaneous two-division champion
- Makhachev's elite grappling versus Topuria's striking presents one of the most consequential style clashes available at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings
- Prochazka's injury disclosure raises questions about where the second-ranked light heavyweight stands heading into his next camp
