“Topuria’s a dumba**,” Diaz said on his X (formerly Twitter) page.
The post comes not long after King Green, a fellow UFC veteran, used part of his UFC Mexico post-fight interview to encourage the promotion to re-sign Diaz — so that he can fight him.
“Hey Dana, bring my boy Nate Diaz back to the UFC and let him retire where he belongs,” Green said following his win over Daniel Zellhuber.
Who Could Face Nate Diaz In A Potential UFC Return?
For several months now, ideas about Diaz returning to MMA have been floated, with the talks intensifying over the last couple of weeks.
Diaz vs. Poirier was notably scheduled to take place at UFC 230, but the fight ultimately fell through. Perry and Diaz have each had call-outs with one another for a bare-knuckle boxing bout.
Diaz last fought in the UFC at UFC 279, submitting Tony Ferguson. Since then, he’s competed in a pair of boxing matches, losing to Jake Paul in 2023 and defeating Jorge Masvidal in 2024.
Islam Makhachev has clarified that a superfight with Ilia Topuria will not be happening at the UFC’s planned White House event in June, citing that the featherweight champion already has another opponent lined up.
Speaking to Russian outlet MatchTV, the welterweight champion stated there “definitely won’t be a fight with Topuria at the White House” because “he already has an opponent.”
The comments walk back Makhachev’s own public enthusiasm for the matchup just days prior, when he said he “liked” the idea and was “ready” if the UFC wanted to make it happen.
Makhachev had previously expressed interest in competing on the card, noting the timing aligns well with his post-Ramadan training schedule. However, reports have consistently pointed to Topuria being booked against another opponent at lightweight — with Justin Gaethje’s interim title situation frequently mentioned in connection with the show.
Makhachev has also questioned the legacy value of a Topuria fight if it required him to drop back down to lightweight again, suggesting his focus is on defending against top welterweight contenders going forward.
The Makhachev-Topuria superfight remains a compelling long-term possibility, but it won’t be materializing on the White House card.
Islam Makhachev says he is ready for whatever matchup the UFC gives him next, including a potential fight with Ilia Topuria and a possible appearance on a White House card.
In an exclusive interview with Telegraf.rs, Makhachev addressed the current title picture and made it clear he is waiting on the promotion’s decision for his next assignment.
“Now in my division there are enough contenders who deserve to fight for the title. The UFC has to give me a new target, that’s it, I’m just waiting.”
Makhachev Responds To Topuria Matchup Talk
A potential fight between Makhachev and Topuria has become one of the most discussed ideas among MMA fans in recent weeks. Asked directly about that matchup, Makhachev gave a straightforward answer.
“I like this idea. If the UFC wants it, and I know a lot of MMA fans want this fight, I’m ready.”
The comments come as Topuria has also returned to the spotlight, with recent coverage focusing on his next move in the UFC title mix. MMA News recently covered Topuria signaling his UFC return.
White House Option Also On The Table
Makhachev also addressed the possibility of competing on a UFC event at the White House, another topic that has generated major attention across the sport.
“It is also one of the arenas where maybe I’m going to fight next. We have the Ramadan month so I will not train for a month and after that I will slowly begin my training camp and I will be ready. [Whether it’s] the White House or other dates, I’ll be ready.”
That timeline points to a post-Ramadan return to camp before he locks in an official date. MMA News has also reported that UFC White House matchmaking is underway, adding more intrigue to where Makhachev could appear next.
For now, Makhachev’s position is simple: he is waiting for the UFC’s call, but he is openly on board with both a Topuria showdown and a White House setting.
UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria wasted no time addressing Paddy Pimblett’s defeat at UFC 324, posting a scathing message just hours after Justin Gaethje handed the Liverpudlian his first UFC loss on Saturday night in Las Vegas.
Ilia Topuria Mocks Paddy Pimblett: ‘You Just Lost Everything
Topuria took to X within two hours of the fight’s conclusion, writing: “Little sausage, the only thing you had to do was beat a 38 year old guy. You just lost the biggest paycheck of your life. You were going to get rich if you won”. The champion then turned his attention to Gaethje, adding: “Justin, all I can say is congratulations… and I’d like to tell you to get ready, but you’re screwed no matter what”.
Little sausage, the only thing you had to do was beat a 38 year old guy. You just lost the biggest paycheck of your life. You were going to get rich if you won. Justin, all I can say is congratulations… and I’d like to tell you to get ready, but you’re screwed no matter what.
Gaethje defeated Pimblett by unanimous decision with scorecards reading 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46 to claim the interim lightweight championship at T-Mobile Arena. The 37-year-old Gaethje dropped Pimblett multiple times across five rounds, though the British fighter showed remarkable durability throughout the contest. Both men earned $100,000 Fight of the Night bonuses under the UFC’s new pay structure with Paramount+.
The stakes extended beyond the interim title. The winner was expected to face Topuria in a unification bout, potentially worth millions in revenue. Topuria, who won the lightweight belt by knocking out Charles Oliveira in June 2025, has been absent from competition while dealing with personal matters related to his divorce. He announced plans to return between April and June to face the UFC 324 winner.
The rivalry between Topuria and Pimblett dates back to March 2022, when the two nearly came to blows at a fighter hotel in London ahead of UFC Fight Night 204. The confrontation stemmed from social media comments Pimblett made about Georgia, Topuria’s home country, which the champion perceived as disrespectful. Pimblett threw a bottle of hand sanitizer at Topuria, who responded with a punch that missed its target.
Pimblett entered UFC 324 as the betting favorite despite Gaethje’s extensive championship-level experience. The 31-year-old had won seven straight UFC fights, including a knockout of Michael Chandler in April 2025. However, Gaethje’s power and ring generalship proved too much, as he outlanded Pimblett 219-177 in total strikes.
This marks Gaethje’s second interim lightweight title, having previously won the belt in May 2020 against Tony Ferguson. He subsequently challenged Khabib Nurmagomedov for the undisputed title but lost via submission. Gaethje also fell short against Charles Oliveira in a 2022 title bout. At 37 years and 71 days, he became the oldest fighter to win a UFC lightweight title.
Topuria announced his return timeline on January 15, confirming he would defend against “the winner between Paddy and Justin” sometime in April through June. The undefeated champion, who holds a 17-0 record, previously knocked out Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway during his featherweight title reign before vacating that belt to move up in weight.
Gaethje expressed interest in competing at the UFC’s White House event scheduled for June, telling reporters he wants to represent the United States. The matchup pits Gaethje’s veteran experience and knockout power against Topuria’s unbeaten record and finishing ability across both striking and grappling.
For Pimblett, the loss represents a significant setback. The Liverpudlian stated after the fight: “I wanted to leave with that belt. I know how resilient I am and I don’t need to prove that to anyone”. He was taken to a local hospital for evaluation due to visible facial damage sustained during the contest.
Justin Gaethje admits what many fighters refuse to acknowledge—his career is in its twilight phase. But the 37-year-old isn’t ready to walk away. Instead, he’s chasing what he believes could be the most inspirational championship run in UFC history.
Speaking with TNT Fight Sports ahead of his interim lightweight title clash against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 on January 24, Gaethje showed rare vulnerability about where he stands while simultaneously expressing unwavering hunger for one more title run.
“I’m 37 years old. There’s no, you know, I’d be a fool to think that we’re just getting started here. The end is near,” Gaethje admitted.
Despite acknowledging father time, “The Highlight” made clear his competitive fire hasn’t diminished. When asked whether he still has hunger for the interim title, Gaethje described fighting as an addiction he simply cannot escape.
“Every single one of these is a traumatic life experience. There’s no matching the high or the low of winning or losing this sport. It kind of ruined other parts of life, but no, I am so hungry. I’ve never felt more alive than when I feel it. I will miss it when it’s gone,” Gaethje explained.
All-or-Nothing Philosophy
Gaethje has a signature phrase that captures his fighting philosophy better than any pre-fight hype. Asked if he’s already thinking about a potential Ilia Topuria fight after Pimblett, his answer was vintage Gaethje.
“I’ve said it before. I don’t ever plan on being alive after the fight. So, if that’s how it ends, that’s how it ends,” Gaethje said.
The former BMF champion enters every bout with total commitment, refusing to look past opponents or plan for what comes next. His complete focus remains on the task at hand, but he’s well aware that Topuria has been publicly offering advice to Pimblett, suggesting the champion would rather face the Liverpool star than “The Highlight.”
“Yeah. I’m gonna Khabib and Ferguson this thing,” Gaethje said, referencing one of MMA’s most infamous cursed matchups—a fight scheduled and cancelled five times before Gaethje stepped in to replace Ferguson at UFC 249.
Chasing the Most Inspirational Run in UFC History
Gaethje believes a championship run at 37 years old would cement his legacy as one of the most inspirational stories in UFC history. He outlined his dream scenario with characteristic passion.
“I just love the challenge. I love the opportunity to inspire people. If I can go out there, beat Paddy, beat Ilia, it’ll be the most inspirational thing that I think this sport has ever seen. I’m trying to do that for countless people. That’s my goal,” Gaethje said.
His resume speaks for itself—he’s headlined nine or ten UFC events and fought top-five opponents in nearly every Octagon appearance. Now headlining the first numbered card on Paramount+, he sees an opportunity to cap his career with the ultimate achievement.
“There’s a reason I’m still here is because I’m one of the best in the world. If they could have got rid of me, they would have got rid of me. But I continue to prove I’m one of the best,” Gaethje said.
Looking beyond Pimblett, Gaethje revealed his ultimate dream matchup. He’s hoping Max Holloway defeats Charles Oliveira in their BMF title fight, setting up an incredible opportunity.
“I hope Max wins. I hope he goes up and then I can fight Max on the White House card and take the BMF belt and the championship,” Gaethje said.
When asked what fight he’d most like to see happen in 2026, Gaethje didn’t hesitate.
“I would say myself versus Ilia Topuria on the White House card,” Gaethje concluded.
Gaethje has twice fallen short in undisputed title fights, losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira by submission. A win over Pimblett would position him for one final championship run against Topuria—and potentially the historic ending his career deserves.
A warning message to Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett: Ilia Topuria is watching.
Topuria’s fighting career was left uncertain late last year when he announced that he would be stepping away indefinitely due to personal matters. The UFC lightweight champion has been dealing with a harsh custody battle involving his ex-wife.
The champ’s unavailability led to the UFC’s decision, as revealed on Thanksgiving, to book Gaethje vs. Pimblett in an interim title fight to serve as the main event of UFC 324. But it doesn’t seem like the winner will have to wait long before unifying with “El Matador.”
In a reply to fan questions on X, Topuria said he is aiming for a spring bout with whoever comes away with the interim gold.
Ilia Topuria Aiming For Undisputed Title Fight In Spring
The opponent he’s aiming for comes at a time where Arman Tsarukyan has recently spoken out on The Ariel Helwani Show about not receiving a lightweight title opportunity. Tsarukyan claims the UFC wants Pimblett to be a champion and teased the idea of either dropping to featherweight or going for the BMF belt.
UFC CEO and President Dana White recently told Complex that Tsarukyan needs to work his way back to a title shot, citing the controversial headbutt in his staredown with Dan Hooker and pulling out of a title fight with Islam Makhachev with one day to go before UFC 311 at this time last year.
Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 last year to win the UFC lightweight championship, which was vacated after Makhachev moved up from lightweight to welterweight.
Topuria had been featherweight champion in 2024, winning the belt by finishing Alexander Volkanovski before retaining with a knockout of Max Holloway.
UFC 324 takes place on January 24 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. It will be the UFC’s first event as part of its lucrative deal with Paramount.
UFC star Sean O’Malley has explained why he can’t picture the promotion booking Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan.
Right now, Ilia Topuria is one of the biggest names in all of mixed martial arts – and perhaps combat sports as a whole. He has been able to tear through the likes of Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira, all via knockout. He’s also the reigning UFC lightweight champion, meaning there are plenty of potential contenders just waiting to get their shot at the gold.
Right now, the likes of Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje are considered to be among the frontrunners – but in addition to that, Arman Tsarukyan threw his name into the hat with a dominant victory over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar last weekend. Ilia Topuria, meanwhile, isn’t all too interested in the Arman fight, or that’s the way it seems.
In a recent video on his channel, Sean O’Malley had the following to say about a potential Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan showdown.
Sean O’Malley can’t picture Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan happening
“Arman is no f*cking joke,” O’Malley said on his YouTube channel. “Arman vs. Ilia is an interesting matchup. I do not think the UFC will make Arman vs. Ilia because I think they love Ilia as a champion. He’s a great champion, and I don’t think they really want Arman to become champion. He has a f*cking legitimate chance of beating Ilia. Can’t believe I said it. I think Ilia might knock him out, but if anyone has a chance at beating Ilia at 155, it’s Arman.”
UFC star Paddy Pimblett has once again lashed out at UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria as rumors continue to circulate regarding a fight between the two.
For the longest time now, Paddy Pimblett has not been a big fan of Ilia Topuria – and you’d best believe that the feeling is mutual. ‘The Baddy’ is one of the most interesting fighters in the recent history of the promotion and that much goes without saying, but in terms of overall success, Topuria is head and shoulders above the Liverpudlian as a result of the two world titles he’s captured in the UFC.
Alas, following his win over Michael Chandler, many believed that Paddy Pimblett deserved to be the next challenger for Ilia Topuria. Alas, Justin Gaethje also seems to be in the running to get the call, but there’s been no official confirmation from the UFC either way. Whatever happens, it definitely feels like Topuria will serve as the headliner for UFC’s first big Paramount show in the new year.
In a recent interview, Pimblett once again poked fun at Topuria as the feud continues to gather momentum.
Paddy Pimblett goes OFF on Ilia Topuria and tells him to sign the contract 😳
"No one would know Ilia Topuria if it wasn't for me. He made himself famous off the back of my name…
He's so fake, like half of his followers. It's been proven half his followers on Instagram are… pic.twitter.com/SWrgw8c3Hd
“No one would know Ilia Topuria if it wasn’t for me. He made himself famous off the back of my name…
“He’s so fake, like half of his followers. It’s been proven half his followers on Instagram are bots. He’s just a McGregor copycat and I’m getting sick of him.
“He’s a German. He’s not even Spanish, he’s not even Georgian. He was born in Germany, he’s German.”
UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria appears set to defend his title against Paddy Pimblett in January 2026, according to Shem Rock, a training partner of the Liverpool contender who spoke recently about the potential matchup.
Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett in 2026
Rock, who trains alongside Pimblett at Next Generation Liverpool, offered insight into his teammate’s preparation and the likelihood of the bout materializing. The newly-signed UFC fighter shared his perspective on what would mark the first UFC event of 2026 and the inaugural numbered card under the promotion’s new Paramount broadcast deal. Speaking to Kyle Diamond of Bloody Elbow, Shem Rock explained:
”What I think and what’s really happening might be two different things, but to me, Paddy versus Ilia makes sense,” Rock said. “He’s a big star; Ilia’s a big star. First pay-per-view of the year should be that. And look — Paddy’s training twice a week sparring, twice a week lifting, every week getting massages. He’s not doing that for fun. He’s training for a reason.”
The matchup has gained momentum following reports that the UFC originally planned to grant Justin Gaethje the next lightweight title shot. However, multiple sources indicate the promotion pivoted to Topuria-Pimblett to maximize viewership for their first Paramount event, a fight expected to capture more attention given the heated history between the two fighters.
Topuria captured the vacant UFC lightweight championship in June at UFC 317 with a first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira. The Georgian-Spanish fighter, who holds a perfect 17-0 record, became just the tenth fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes after previously reigning as featherweight champion. Following his victory, Topuria immediately called out Pimblett, leading to a confrontation inside the octagon where the champion shoved his rival and the two exchanged heated words.
Pimblett has positioned himself for a title shot after dominating Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April, securing a third-round technical knockout that extended his UFC record to 7-0. The Liverpool fighter climbed to number 10 in the lightweight rankings following the victory and has been vocal about wanting to face Topuria next.
The rivalry between Topuria and Pimblett dates back to March 2022, when they clashed physically at the fighters’ hotel during a UFC event in London. The confrontation stemmed from a social media post by Pimblett in early 2021 that referenced the 2008 Russian invasion of Georgia, which Topuria found deeply offensive as several people he knew had died in the conflict. During the London altercation, Pimblett threw a hand sanitizer bottle at Topuria, who retaliated before being restrained by his team.
Since then, the animosity has remained constant across social media and UFC events. The two fighters were placed on the same card again at UFC 282 in December 2022, where tensions nearly boiled over at the pre-fight press conference. Security intervened to prevent another physical confrontation as Topuria attempted to approach Pimblett during the media obligations.
UFC 324 on Paramount
UFC president Dana White has indicated that Topuria is a possibility to headline the first major UFC card on Paramount in January 2026. The promotion signed a broadcast rights deal with Paramount worth $7.7 billion over seven years, set to begin on January 1, 2026. While White has not officially confirmed the matchup, he told reporters after the Contender Series that matchmaking for the inaugural Paramount card began in mid-October.
The fight would likely take place at UFC 324 in Los Angeles on January 10, though the UFC has not made an official announcement. Topuria addressed the possibility during a press conference in Georgia, describing his participation in the January card as “very possible.” When asked about potential opponents, he left little doubt about his preference for facing Pimblett, citing their history and the demand from fans.
Gaethje’s manager Ali Abdelaziz has maintained that his client deserves the title shot based on his ranking and experience in the division. However, the UFC appears to have prioritized the more marketable and combustible matchup between Topuria and Pimblett for the high-profile Paramount debut.
Pimblett has publicly stated he believes the fight will happen soon, recently suggesting on social media that he has already signed his contract while claiming Topuria has not yet done so. The Liverpool fighter has been open about his training focus, acknowledging that his striking timing needs improvement if he faces Topuria but expressing confidence in his grappling abilities.
Rock’s comments about Pimblett’s consistent training regimen align with the fighter’s known dedication during camp periods. Despite gaining significant weight between fights, Pimblett has successfully made the 155-pound lightweight limit for all his UFC appearances, including a documented 40-pound cut for UFC 314.
As the first numbered event under the new Paramount deal, UFC 324 represents a critical moment for the promotion to establish its partnership with a new broadcast platform. The organization appears to be banking on Topuria and Pimblett’s star power and genuine animosity to deliver a memorable main event that sets the tone for future Paramount cards.
Topuria enters as the favorite based on his status as the reigning champion and number one pound-for-pound fighter. His rise through two divisions has been marked by dominant victories over elite competition, including knockouts of Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Oliveira. This bout would mark only his second fight at lightweight, but the 28-year-old has already proven he belongs among the division’s best.
Pimblett remains undefeated in the UFC since joining from Cage Warriors over four years ago, building a reputation for dramatic finishes and pre-fight entertainment. While bookmakers and analysts are expected to install him as a significant underdog, the British fighter has consistently exceeded expectations and remains confident he can shock the world.
As Rock observed from his position training alongside Pimblett at Next Generation Liverpool, the signs point to a fight happening sooner rather than later. Whether the matchup receives official confirmation in the coming weeks remains to be seen, but the pieces appear to be falling into place for one of the most anticipated grudge matches in recent UFC history.
Ilia Topuria has stated that he believes Merab Dvalishvili would be able to defeat Alexander Volkanovski if he challenged for the UFC featherweight championship.
Right now, Merab Dvalishvili is on top of the world. He has already achieved some incredible things in the sport of mixed martial arts and this year alone, he has successfully defended the UFC bantamweight championship three times. Later this year, he will attempt to make it four when he goes head to head with Petr Yan for the second time.
Merab Dvalishvili is known as ‘The Machine’, and for good reason. He is well on his way to being viewed as the consensus greatest bantamweight of all time, and it’s hard to see how many would be able to argue against that if he’s able to get the win over Yan in December.
In a recent appearance, Ilia Topuria gave his thoughts on Merab Dvalishvili’s chances if he opted to make the shift up to 145 pounds to face Alexander Volkanovski.
Ilia Topuria believes Merab Dvalishvili has everything it takes to dethrone Alexander Volkanovski and become a two-division champ ⚔️
"I’ve already told Merab once that he needs to change weight class because he has a 100% chance of winning a second belt. As for Merab’s potential… pic.twitter.com/HpdWvOLIzF
“On that note, I’d like to wish good luck to Merab, as he just had yet another fight scheduled. That man is not normal. He’s an awesome guy, salt of the earth. I haven’t met many good people like him.
“I’ve already told Merab once that he needs to change weight class because he has a 100% chance of winning a second belt. As for Merab’s potential fight with Volkanovski, I have no doubt that Merab will end up winning.”
Arman Tsarukyan has said that he knows he can defeat UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria as he prepares to collide with Dan Hooker.
As we know, Ilia Topuria is the current king of the lightweight division. He earned that title by knocking out Charles Oliveira, which came on the heels of him doing the same thing to Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. In short, ‘El Matador’ is putting together the kind of run that could one day lead to him being viewed as one of the greatest of all time.
Of course, there are always going to be contenders who are ready to step up – and this time, it’s Arman Tsarukyan. Well, he’d like it to be him, but before he can try and dethrone Ilia Topuria, he first needs to try and get through Dan Hooker. While this may seem like a one-sided fight to some, Hooker has been on a real roll lately and seems to have one last title push left in him.
In a recent interview, Tsarukyan had the following to say about a possible collision with Ilia Topuria.
Arman Tsarukyan goes after Ilia Topuria
“Only I can beat Ilia Topuria in our division. Everybody knows that—that’s why the UFC tries to keep us apart. But if I perform and finish Hooker, they can’t avoid me anymore.”
Tsarukyan is certainly confident in his abilities and that much is clear for everyone to see. In equal measure, Topuria has looked like an absolute machine since entering the UFC.
Ilia Topuria is proud of his fellow Georgian Merab Dvalishvili’s rise to success.
This past weekend, Dvalishvili successfully defended his bantamweight title for the third time, earning a lopsided unanimous decision over Cory Sandhagen in the co-main event of UFC 320 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“The Machine” displayed his trademark relentless pressure, blending dominant wrestling with sharpened striking to control Sandhagen over five punishing rounds. The reigning UFC 135-pound champion came close to a knockout in the second round, landing a flurry of heavy punches that had “Sandman” teetering on the edge, but Sandhagen managed to survive.
Despite Sandhagen finding pockets of success with his strikes, Dvalishvili remained largely unfazed, showcasing his extraordinary cardio and pace. He dictated the fight with sheer will, landing an impressive 20 takedowns to break Sandhagen’s rhythm and maintain control throughout. When the dust settled, all three judges scored the bout decisively for the champion, 49-45, 49-45, 49-46, cementing Dvalishvili’s dominant title defense.
Taking names & making notes 📝@MerabDvalishvil remains the bantamweight champion of the world after #UFC320!
Ilia Topuria Lauds Merab Dvalishvili As ‘Living Legend’ Following UFC 320 Title Defense
After Merab Dvalishvili’s commanding unanimous decision victory over Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320, Ilia Topuria took to social media to celebrate his close friend and fellow Georgian.
The reigning UFC lightweight champion showered “The Machine” with praise, calling him a living legend whose dominance in the Octagon makes his victories seem effortless.
“Brother, we’ve reached the point where your victories seem almost normal. “but we all know how hard it is to get there. “I say it with pride: you’re a living legend!!!! “An example of hard work, sacrifice, and heart. “Beyond the fighter, you’re an incredible person, with a soul too big for your chest. “We love you, we support you, and we’re with you every step of the way, Topuria posted on X.”
Brother, we’ve reached the point where your victories seem almost normal. but we all know how hard it is to get there. I say it with pride: you’re a living legend!!!! an example of hard work, sacrifice, and heart. Beyond the fighter, you’re an incredible person, with a soul too… pic.twitter.com/Rd2lBdeMlH
With the victory, Merab Dvalishvili stretched his remarkable win streak to 14 fights. The 34-year-old Georgian now boasts a 14-2 UFC record, featuring dominant triumphs over former champions such as Sean O’Malley, Petr Yan, José Aldo, and Henry Cejudo.
It’s been assumed that the UFC will want a massive event for its Paramount premiere, and while UFC CEO and President Dana White has planned such, a new report hints at what potentially could be the headliner for that first card.
Per a new report from Alvaro Colmenero, Ilia Topuria is expected to make his first defense of the UFC lightweight championship in January, with the most likely opponent being former interim champion Justin Gaethje.
Colmenero reportedly told EuroSport Network that this is the matchup the UFC is looking for to open its contract with Paramount. He adds that the premiere UFC event with Paramount will take place in Los Angeles, though it was not directly stated if this would be at the Intuit Dome or the Crypto.com Arena.
Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje Lightweight Title Fight For UFC’s First Event With Paramount?
In August, the UFC signed a seven-year, $7.7 billion deal with Paramount to be the new U.S. broadcasting partner of the UFC. Beginning in January 2026, UFC cards will air on the Paramount+ streaming service, with select cards to be simulcasted on local CBS stations.
During the UFC 320 post-fight press conference, White did not name a particular headliner for any January event — numbered or Fight Night. He, however, did tease a massive card for the first UFC event on Paramount before shifting focus to the White House card later that summer.
“We’re about to go on a new network, on Paramount, and we need to deliver a massive, incredible card in January,” White said. “And then in February, we’ll start looking at building the White House card, which I will right now tell you will be the greatest fight card ever assembled in the history of of of definitely this company.”
Topuria had won the UFC featherweight title with a finish of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. After retaining with a finish of Max Holloway at UFC 308, Topuria vacated that title to face Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC lightweight championship at UFC 317. Topuria won the belt with a first-round knockout of the former champion.
Gaethje would enter this title fight off winning a rematch with Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 in March. Gaethje defeated Tony Ferguson for the interim lightweight title at UFC 249 but fell short in fights with Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 and Oliveira at UFC 274. Gaethje is also a former BMF champion, defeating Dustin Poirier for the title at UFC 291 before losing to Holloway at UFC 300.
UFC commentator Michael Bisping has given his thoughts on why Ilia Topuria vs Terence Crawford could become a reality one day.
We all know that Ilia Topuria is one of the fastest-rising stars in combat sports today. He may also be the pound for pound best fighter in mixed martial arts. However, instead of focusing his attention on the UFC right now, the lightweight champion has set his sights on a potential superfight against none other than Terence Crawford.
Crawford is coming off the back of a huge win over Canelo Alvarez that really cemented his status as one of the greatest of all time, and certainly of this generation. Ilia Topuria, meanwhile, is someone who has always been interested in chasing greatness, and we can’t see that changing anytime soon.
In a recent video, Michael Bisping explained why Ilia Topuria vs Terence Crawford is a real possibility.
Michael Bisping on Terence Crawford vs Ilia Topuria
“Because there will be two fan bases tuning in. And that’s what happened with the money fight. You’ve got all the boxing fans and then you’ve got all the MMA fans and of course you’ve got Dana White in the middle. Dana just did business with Terrence Crawford. Ilia is under contract with the UFC. So, it’s not unbelievable to think of a world where this might happen.”
Topuria may not even stand a chance against Crawford in the eyes of many, but there’s some serious money to be made with this kind of fight.
UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has suggested that he would be able to knock Terence Crawford out if the two ever faced each other in a crossover boxing match.
If there’s one thing that Ilia Topuria isn’t lacking, it’s confidence – and understandably so. In his last three fights, he has been able to knock out Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira. Of course, this is mixed martial arts we’re talking about here, and it’s a pretty different sport to professional boxing.
We all know that crossover boxing involving MMA fighters has become a pretty big deal in recent years, starting off with Conor McGregor’s superfight against Floyd Mayweather. In the present day, Ilia Topuria is seen as the potential successor to Conor in terms of star power, and there are plenty of similarities.
One of the similarities is that Ilia Topuria believes he can beat one of the all-time boxing greats, as he noted in the following tweet.
I won’t talk about what would happen between me and Crawford in an octagon I’ll talk about what would happen in a ring. I put him to sleep in the first contact !!
Ilia Topuria backs himself to knock out Terence Crawford
“I won’t talk about what would happen between me and Crawford in an octagon I’ll talk about what would happen in a ring. I put him to sleep in the first contact !!”
Yes, this sounds outrageous, but Topuria has the kind of power that can help people believe just about anything that he says. Who knows, maybe at some point in the future we get the chance to see it – but first, Crawford has a meeting with Canelo Alvarez to focus on.
Terence Crawford has named his choice for the best boxer in the UFC — and it isn’t Ilia Topuria or Max Holloway.
Crawford is gearing up to square off against undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez on September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The high-profile superfight is being co-promoted by TKO Group’s Zuffa Boxing, with UFC CEO Dana White overseeing the event.
“Bud” has cemented his status as one of the premier pound-for-pound fighters of the modern era, boasting an undefeated 41-0 professional record with 31 knockouts, including victories over Errol Spence Jr., José Benavidez Jr., and David Avanesyan.
Image: @tbudcrawford/Instagram
Terence Crawford Names Cody Garbrandt As UFC’s Best Boxer
During a recent appearance on the Full Send Podcast, Terence Crawford was asked to name the best boxer in the UFC. Surprisingly, “Bud” bypassed reining lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and BMF titleholder Max Holloway, both widely regarded as elite pugilists in the promotion, and instead chose former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt.
“It’s my guy, Cody [Garbrandt],” Crawford said. “He’s the best UFC boxer.”
Although host Kyle Forgeard tried to convince Crawford that “El Matador” is the UFC’s best boxer, the multi-division undisputed champion stood firm, explaining why he believes “No Love” excels in pure boxing.
“Yeah, but I don’t know, man, Cody’s got those hands. But I’m saying, when you’re talking about straight boxing, we ain’t talking about nothing else, we’re talking about straight boxing skills, I just think Cody’s got the best boxing skills in the UFC. But that’s just my opinion.”
Terence Crawford says Cody Garbrandt is the best boxer in the UFC, ranking him above Ilia Topuria 🥊🔥
Garbrandt was last seen competing at UFC Atlanta in June, where he fell to Raoni Barcelos via unanimous decision. “No Love”, who once rode an 11-fight win streak, including dethroning Dominick Cruz at UFC 207 in 2016 to claim the bantamweight title, has since struggled, posting a 3-7 record over his last 10 bouts.
Usman Nurmagomedov feels he stands a tier above Ilia Topuria.
“El Matador” is hailed as one of the most versatile fighters, boasting a perfect 17-0 record with 15 finishes. In his last three appearances, he delivered stunning knockouts over former champions Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, and Alexander Volkanovski, further solidifying his status as a once-in-a-generation talent.
Topuria’s star power skyrocketed after he etched his name in the history books as a two-division UFC champion, capturing the lightweight title with a knockout of Oliveira at UFC 317 this past July.
With former UFC champion Islam Makhachev already vacating his title to chase welterweight gold, the undefeated Spaniard is now hailed by many as the No. 1 lightweight, but UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin isn’t buying it.
Image: @iliatopuria/Instagram
Usman Nurmagomedov Questions Ilia Topuria’s Lightweight Supremacy
During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Usman Nurmagomedov dismissed the notion of Ilia Topuria being the world’s No. 1 lightweight just yet, insisting the reigning UFC champion still has more to prove. The Dagestani argued that his resume is stronger, making him more deserving of the top spot than “El Matador”.
“Come on, Ilia Topuria, how he can be lightweight No. 1 in the world? He cannot be,” Nurmagomedov said. “He did only one fight. I have 19 fights in lightweight [division]. I beat former champions. I beat champions. I think my resume is better than him. How many fights does he have? 14? I have 14 finishes in my career.”
Usman Nurmagomedov pushes back on Ilia Topuria as the No. 1 lightweight:
"I think my resume is better than him. How many fights does he have? 14? I have 14 finishes in my career."
Nurmagomedov, the reigning PFL lightweight champion, has already racked up three successful title defenses and carries an undefeated professional record of 19-0, with 14 of those victories coming by way of finish.
The 27-year-old Russian last competed at PFL Champions Series Dubai in January, where he edged out Paul Hughes in a hard-fought majority decision to retain his belt. He’s now set to run it back with “Big News” in a highly anticipated rematch at PFL Champions Series 2 on October 3.
2025 PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series: at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE, Saturday, Saturday, January, 25, 2025. (Jose Peñuela / PFL)
Daniel Cormier holds a contrasting view to Khabib Nurmagomedov when it comes to Ilia Topuria vs. Arman Tsarukyan.
Topuria is widely regarded as one of the most well-rounded fighters in modern MMA, holding a flawless 17-0 record with 15 finishes, including victories over former UFC champions Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, and Alexander Volkanovski.
Adding to his legacy, “El Matador” etched his name in history by becoming a two-division UFC champion, securing the lightweight crown with a knockout win over Oliveira at UFC 317.
However, “The Eagle” believes Topuria’s reign could be in serious jeopardy if he ever defends his title against Tsarukyan. Nurmagomedov recently claimed that “Ahalkalakets” is far more skilled than the Spaniard and would surely defeat him should they cross paths inside the Octagon.
Images: @iliatopuria/@arm_011/Instagram
Daniel Cormier Disputes Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Assessment Of Ilia Topuria Potentially Struggling Against Arman Tsarukyan
During a recent video on his YouTube channel, Daniel Cormier shared his thoughts on Khabib Nurmagomedov heavily favoring Arman Tsarukyan to defeat reigning UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria in a potential showdown.
“80-20 [%] is crazy, though. 80-20 is hard when anyone’s fighting,” Cormier said. “The only time 80-20 could be thought of in fights has been in the case of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Jon Jones. They’re the only people that have gone through this whole thing without losing. They are the only two. So you could have possibly said, ‘Well, yeah, it’s probably about 80% that guy’s way, because they never lose.”
The UFC Hall of Famer firmly pushed back against his former training partner Nurmagomedov’s assertion, arguing that a fighter of Topuria’s caliber is not someone who can be dismissed so easily.
“Guess who else hasn’t lost? Ilia Topuria. To put him on the opposite side of that 80%-20% is crazy. I don’t believe that for one second. I really do disagree with Khabib on that one. There is not a guy in the world that I believe is gonna beat Ilia Topuria 8 out of 10 times. That’s the truth.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov doubts Ilia Topuria has what it takes to overcome Arman Tsarukyan.
After Islam Makhachev opted to vacate the lightweight title and move up to welterweight, Topuria claimed the vacant belt with a devastating first-round knockout of former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 this past June.
“El Matador” has a stacked lineup of challengers for his first title defense, including Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje, with Tsarukyan currently leading as the No. 1 contender. That said, the undefeated champion has yet to reveal a preferred matchup.
Khabib Believes Arman Tsarukyan Holds ’80-20′ Edge Over Ilia Topuria
During a recent interview with Kamil Gadzhiyev (via Championship Rounds), Khabib Nurmagomedov shared his thoughts on a potential title clash between reigning UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan. The UFC Hall of Famer highlighted “Ahalkalakets” as the more skilled fighter, warning that he could pose a significant threat to Topuria.
“I don’t see a chance for Topuria,” Nurmagomedov said. “A big punch is a [not going to work]. Arman fights with strikers from a distance too much. He keeps his distance well, works better with his legs, and now Arman is too good… I think right now, the best lightweight is [Tsarukyan].”
“Arman can take him down. He has good elbows on the ground. Very good elbows. He can wrestle, armbar, take the back. But he simply won’t fight at this dangerous distance with Topuria. There are too many fights already he can watch, study. If at the beginning they somehow fought, maybe he would have a chance.
“I’d say it’s 80-20 in Arman’s favor. … Wrestling has always ruled, especially in such fights. We all know the level of wrestling that Holloway and Charles Oliveira had. It’s practically nonexistent. … He’s only fought strikers.”
Arman Tsarukyan last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 300 in April 2024, securing a hard-fought split decision victory over Charles Oliveira. He is riding a four-fight win streak and boasts a UFC record of 9-2, including knockouts against Beneil Dariush and Joaquim Silva.
Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria remains unbeaten in his professional career, boasting a 17-0 record overall and 9-0 in the UFC, with finishes over Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Bryce Mitchell.
Former UFC fighter Darren Till believes that fellow Liverpudlian Paddy Pimblett could be the man to defeat Ilia Topuria.
For a while now, Paddy Pimblett has been on the rise in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He’s rubbed a lot of people the wrong way in that time but in equal measure, he’s also proven himself to be a top star in the lightweight division – and in doing so, he’s proven a whole lot of critics wrong.
One of the most notable things about Paddy Pimblett’s UFC run thus far has been his feud with Ilia Topuria. Following their recent face-off in the cage, some have questioned whether or not the UFC will book that fight next.
In a recent interview with Compare.bet, Darren Till gave his thoughts on how Ilia Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett could go.
Darren Till believes Paddy Pimblett could beat Ilia Topuria
“Paddy has probably got the best chance to beat Ilia, and I know it sounds ridiculous because I don’t think Paddy’s on his level in terms of skillset yet–he will get there.
“But I just think Paddy with his coaches and the way they strategise, and how big he is, and how sort of loose he is–I think Paddy has a great chance of beating Ilia Topuria.
“A lot of people will be against that opinion, but I’ve said this for years about Paddy, people like to give Paddy shit, but he can fight. He’s got a solid team around and he obviously works hard because of the shape he gets in.
“Whether you love or hate Paddy, and he’s not a close friend by any sense of it, but you have to give Paddy props. I know his opponents are questionable and the loss and stuff, but you can only fight who is in front of you.
“And people will say ‘he’s getting built’ – of course he’s getting built – like me. Because we speak, we talk the talk, why wouldn’t you build Paddy? Stop being a hater.”
‘El Matador’ etched his name in the history books at UFC 317, scoring a sensational first-round finish against Charles Oliveira to claim the lightweight world title, officially becoming a two-division champion.
Thus far, Topuria has not yet booked his first official defense of the 155-pound crown, but there’s really only one challenger that makes sense — Arman Tsarukyan.
9-2 under the UFC banner and sitting on a four-fight win streak, Tsarukyan has more than earned his spot as the division’s top-ranked contender. But despite his No. 1 ranking, Topuria has been nothing but dismissive of a potential clash between the two. That has prompted some to label Topuria a coward, but according to Chael Sonnen, it’s nothing more than a clever bit of gamesmanship from the 155-pound king.
“Ilia is playing you; he’s going to fight Tsarukyan next,” Sonnen said on his Youtube channel. “Do we need more detail, or can we call it here?
“Ilia said, ‘I have no interest in fighting Tsarukyan.’ Now, the reason that it’s peculiar to me is because fellow 155-pounders are upset, but they’re not saying they want to fight him—they’re just calling him a coward. This fight is done just so you understand. But guys do have a recipe. They’re creatures of habit.”
Sonnen recalls Anderson Silva using the same tactic as Ilia Topuria
Sonnen likened the situation to his iconic feud with Anderson Silva, recalling when ‘The Spider’ would regularly disregard him as the next man up as a way to build hype for their inevitable clash.
“When I was having issues with Anderson Silva, it would keep me up at night,” Sonnen said. “Anderson was famous, successful, rich, and he didn’t need anybody. I needed him to choose me. I worked hard to get him to choose me. Anderson’s move was to deny the fight as the first step in accepting the fight every single time. He would let the press conference happen, say nothing, and then after the number one contender’s match, he’d deny the fight.
“Let the media run with that. He could get about two weeks of build-up from just denying the fight. Then Anderson would accept the fight, let excitement die down, and then report that he was injured so the fight was off without confirming or denying.
“Ilia does the same thing. He has his own way to build fights. He’s a very big star.”
UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has been praised by Dricus du Plessis following his recent success in the promotion.
As we know, Ilia Topuria is a pretty special talent – and it turns out that a lot of other fighters think so too. In his last three outings, he’s been able to defeat (and knock out) Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira. While it may sound extreme, he’s currently on a similar trajectory to Conor McGregor.
While his next opponent isn’t quite clear, one thing we do know is this: Ilia Topuria is legit. Another man who thinks so is Dricus du Plessis, who has enjoyed a similar rise to prominence.
Dricus du Plessis praises Ilia Topuria
“I’m so happy for him,” Du Plessis said of Topuria in an interview with Betway South Africa. “We made our debuts on the same fight card. He was literally in my changing room. We were on the same trajectory, winning our titles one month apart, so I’m super happy for him.
“I think he’s one of those special characters who’s going to be a Hall of Famer, no doubt. He’s the first unbeaten guy to have two titles, so I rate him very highly as an all-round fighter. And obviously, his striking power, knocking out three legends – I think he’s incredible, and in my opinion, one of the best, if not the best in the UFC right now.”
UFC commentator Michael Bisping has given his thoughts on the theory that Ilia Topuria is ducking Arman Tsarukyan in a manner similar to Jon Jones ducking Tom Aspinall.
As we know, Ilia Topuriais one of the scariest fighters on the planet right now. He is the UFC lightweight champion, having won the belt by knocking Charles Oliveira out cold. As we look ahead to the future, it certainly seems as if the options are limitless for him – either at 155 pounds, above, or below.
Right now, there are a few main contenders in the running to face Ilia Topuria for the belt. One of them is Arman Tsarukyan, who has been incredibly vocal in letting the masses know that he wants to battle ‘El Matador’.
Following a recent back and forth in which Topuria declared that he’d rather vacate the belt than defend it against Arman, Michael Bisping decided to weigh in on the situation.
Michael Bisping’s view on Ilia Topuria
“The question is, is Ilia Topuria pulling a Jon Jones? Because Arman Tsarukyan is a real threat to anybody. He is a tremendous fighter… He can do it all. He’s got the striking, the wrestling, the cardio, the strength. He’s very young. He’s in his prime. The man’s an absolute monster.”
“Ilia Topuria said if the UFC made him fight Arman Tsarukyan, he would vacate the belt. ‘I’m never going to give him a chance to fight for the title. I will be like—listen, if that’s the case, take my belt.’ He doesn’t want to fight him. He wants nothing to do with Arman Tsarukyan.”
UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell has said that he believes Ilia Topuria is beatable – even if he wasn’t able to get the job done when they fought.
As we know, Ilia Topuria is an absolute monster, and he’s one of the biggest stars in mixed martial arts today. He is a two-weight world champion in the UFC, and somehow, it feels like he’s only just getting started. ‘El Matador’ has managed to knock off some huge names across his last few fights but prior to that, he also fought some decent competition at featherweight.
That includes Bryce Mitchell, at a time when both men were rising up through the ranks pretty quickly. In the end, it was Ilia Topuria who got the better of their exchanges, eventually securing a submission win.
Ahead of his return to the cage this weekend, Bryce Mitchell spoke to reporters about Ilia Topuria and the possibility of him facing Islam Makhachev.
Bryce Mitchell’s view on Ilia Topuria
“If Islam gets on top of him, he’s in trouble,” Mitchell told MMA Junkie and other reporters during Wednesday’s media day. “He (Topuria) hits harder and better, and is just more precise at punching than Makhachev. That’s why he’s got so many knockouts. You tell Arman I was as sick as a dog in that fight, and if it was a proper fight – I should have let the fans know I probably shouldn’t have took the fight. Anyways, I won’t fight sick again.
“That’s the one fight that bothers me to this day. I can’t believe I let my pride get the best of me, and I took that fight. But yeah, if Arman gets him down, he’ll do great. What’s great about Ilia is his shot selection, and he doesn’t waste his energy. He’s very, very good at conserving his energy, but he is not unbeatable, bro. I blacked his eye on a night when I didn’t have no power in my arms. If I had gone in there healthy, he’d have two black eyes.”
Ilia Topuria was already soaring in popularity and becoming one of the best fighters in the world — and that was solidified after UFC 317, if it wasn’t already.
Just a couple of weeks ago at this year’s International Fight Week card, Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira in the main event to become UFC lightweight champion. This made Topuria the 10th UFC fighter to win championships in more than one weight class, and earned Topuria the top men’s pound-for-pound ranking in the UFC.
Though Topuria had plenty of supporters in the lead into the fight, Topuria still shocked plenty with the manner in which he dropped Oliveira out cold during the match. Oliveira had not been finished since losing to Paul Felder at UFC 218 — and hadn’t been straight KO’d since losing to Cub Swanson at UFC 152.
Eddie Alvarez, another former UFC lightweight champion, is one of those who picked Topuria to win but was still shocked in the manner that he did it.
“Everybody knew Ilia was going to put Charles down,” Alvarez told Helen Yee. “I didn’t know he was going to put him out like that. So yeah, I was shocked.”
Eddie Alvarez Praises Ilia Topuria’s Knockouts Of Several Big Names In UFC
Topuria’s victory over Oliveira moved him to 17-0, including a 9-0 record in the Octagon. It was just last year when Topuria won the UFC featherweight championship by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski in violent fashion as well.
Topuria would retain the championship once before moving up to lightweight, knocking out Max Holloway at UFC 308. It was just the first time Holloway had been knocked out in his professional career. Holloway also had not been finished since getting submitted by Dustin Poirier in their first fight at UFC 143.
Alvarez says that Topuria’s talent is already displayed in the Octagon performances and his wins and record. The manner in which he’s beaten the names he has, however, brings Topuria to another level of fighter.
“When you look at the last three guys…Volkanovski, Charles, Max Holloway — these are legends back to back that he’s knocking out,” Alvarez said. “The guy’s special, man. He’s special.”
Many have clamored for a superfight between Topuria and Islam Makhachev, who vacated the lightweight title to move up to welterweight. A Topuria vs. Makhachev fight could have happened had Belal Muhammad defeated Jack Della Maddalena; however, it remains to be seen if such a fight could still be made if Makhachev beats JDM for the 170-pound gold.
