Before Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) vacated his UFC lightweight title, he dismissed ex-featherweight champ Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) as his next title challenger. He wasn't interested in defending his belt against another 145-pounder coming up a weight class after two of his four lightweight title defenses coming over Alexander Volkanovski.

Rising UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett is eyeing a pair of big matchups for his next two fights. Pimblett told ESPN's James Regan that he feels a matchup against former UFC BMF and interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje is on the horizon.

Ilia Topuria might not be without gold for much longer. Topuria vacated his UFC featherweight championship in February as he prepared for a permanent move to lightweight. His first fight as a full-time lightweight will be for the vacant title when he takes on Charles Oliveira, UFC president Dana White announced on Tuesday.