Overview
- UFC CEO Dana White said no bout has been made for Ilia Topuria and that the promotion is still figuring out the champion’s next move.
- Manager Ali Abdelaziz said matchmakers are waiting on UFC 322’s Makhachev–Della Maddalena outcome and the Tsarukyan–Hooker fight in Qatar, with a decision expected by month’s end.
- Abdelaziz reiterated Justin Gaethje’s stance that he will retire if passed over for Paddy Pimblett and criticized Pimblett’s recent opposition as unworthy of a title shot.
- Pimblett declared he would “absolutely smash” Topuria and exchanged barbs with Islam Makhachev, who argued Arman Tsarukyan or possibly Gaethje should get the shot rather than Pimblett.
- Reports continue to link Topuria’s first defense to the UFC’s 2026 Paramount+ debut, though the promotion has not confirmed that plan or an opponent.