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.

Islam Makhachev is signing up for a superfight. UFC CEO Dana White announced Tuesday that the lightweight champion is vacating his belt to jump up to the 170-pound division to face newly crowned welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena.

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.