Here is a summary of the latest news from the Ultimate Fighting Championship:
A highly anticipated middleweight clash has been confirmed: Dricus Du Plessis is set to face Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. This marks Chimaev`s return to competition in America after a break since 2022.
In a significant title development, Islam Makhachev has vacated his lightweight championship. Following this, Dana White announced that Ilia Topuria will headline UFC 317. Topuria has since commented on the situation, suggesting Makhachev “ran away”.
Welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena discussed his potential future fight with Islam Makhachev and recently made his debut on the official UFC pound-for-pound rankings, surpassing several current champions.
UFC President Dana White provided an update on the heavyweight title picture involving Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall, urging fans to “Relax” amid calls for Jones to be stripped. Jon Jones himself responded to accusations of “ducking” Aspinall and also addressed comments from his long-time rival, Daniel Cormier.
Speaking of Cormier, he explained his decision to decline an offer to reunite with Jon Jones on a Russian reality television show.
Conor McGregor broke his silence on Islam Makhachev vacating the title, sending an “exciting” message to Dana White.
Reports indicate that a dominant 20-1 Bellator champion, who once claimed he could “smoke” Sean O`Malley, could be joining the UFC following his release from the PFL.
Not everyone is convinced about Makhachev`s future plans; a UFC star who has competed across four weight classes expressed doubt about Islam Makhachev`s ability to hold up at welterweight, and a UFC legend questioned his plan to defend two titles, stating, “I don`t want to call Islam dishonest, but…”
Other recent news includes fans predicting the UFC 317 main event before the official announcement, a UFC legend defending Islam Makhachev against claims he wanted Belal Muhammad to lose, Michael Chandler training with Theo Von amidst ongoing Conor McGregor fight talks, Aiemann Zahabi`s full-circle moment after retiring Jose Aldo, Jean Silva responding to criticism for choking a fan to sleep, and Modestas Bukauskas hitting back at “robbery” claims after his controversial win at UFC 315.
Neville Woodall 
Duncan Priestley