Spanish journalist clears up rumours about Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje at UFC 322

Pimblett, who clashed with Topuria at UFC 317, believed his history with the champion could work in his favour. Tsarukyan, on the other hand, was seen by many as the more deserving choice.

However, Spanish journalist Alvaro Colmenero has now poured cold water on those hopes. Speaking about both Topuria and fellow Spaniard Joel Alvarez, he suggested that neither would be fighting on those cards.

Colmenero said it’s more likely we’ll see the lightweight champion return in early 2026.

He wrote: “Many of you have written to me asking if it’s true that Joel Alvarez was fighting in Paris and Ilia Topuria in New York.”

“As far as I know, the answer is NO.”

“I hope Joel can fight in October/November and Topuria in January/February,” he added.

Khabib Backs Tsarukyan Over Topuria

Khabib Nurmagomedov has backed Tsarukyan in a potential clash against Topuria. He even made a bold prediction about how the fight would go.

‘The Eagle’ even said he would take Tsarukyan to beat the Spaniard eight times out of ten.

That stance surprised Daniel Cormier, who responded to the remarks on his YouTube channel.

“80%-20% is crazy, though,” Cormier said. “80%-20% is hard when anyone’s fighting. The only time 80%-20% could be thought of in fights has been in the case of Khabib and Jon Jones. They’re the only people that have gone through this whole thing without losing.”

“Guess who else hasn’t lost? Ilia Topuria. To put him on the opposite side of that 80%-20% is crazy.”

Cormier added: “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 eight out of 10 times. That’s the truth.”