Ilia Topuria’s Next Move Could Delay Islam Makhachev's Dream

16 days ago

Ilia Topuria’s Next Move Could Delay Islam Makhachev's Dream

Topuria’s side says Tsarukyan is his preferred first title defense if he keeps the lightweight belt, calling that matchup “undeniable.” Legaspi said Topuria “really wants” Arman next, with a bigger Islam ambition still looming. After Makhachev’s welterweight move, Tsarukyan remains the clearest elite lightweight test for Topuria’s reign and future pound-for-pound chase inside the UFC's deepest division.

By Afnan Chougle

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16 days ago

Sean Strickland Wants UFC Exit After Jake Paul’s Forbes Payday

Strickland joked he needs out of UFC after seeing Paul land on Forbes’ highest-paid athletes list. The current middleweight champion targeted Paul’s crossover money, saying, “I gotta leave the UFC and go beat up Jake Paul.” Strickland then called on UFC to release him, adding, “Cut my contract, UFC. It’s time for me to leave.”

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16 days ago

Justin Gaethje Studies Ilia Topuria’s Angles Before White House Clash

Gaethje knows Topuria’s danger comes from speed, angles and sudden power, so his title-unification plan starts with staying disciplined every second. The interim champion faces Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, with undisputed lightweight gold at stake. Against a short, explosive finisher who punishes one mistake, Gaethje’s awareness may decide everything.

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16 days ago

Justin Gaethje Says He’ll Retire When His Younger Self Could Beat Him

Gaethje said his fight mindset starts by convincing himself the opponent is better, making him train like he is about to lose. The former BMF champion said being the underdog against Pimblett was “awesome” because fear sharpened him. “When my younger self would beat myself now,” Gaethje said, “then it would be time to call it quits.”

By Adarsh Ojha

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