Do you have a strenuous schedule that’s keeping you out of touch with the latest developments in the MMA world? Well, we have just the right solution for you, as we present yet another daily roundup edition, bringing to you the most noteworthy moments over the last 24 hours. So starting this edition, we’ll talk about some great news for Ilia Topuria in his quest for lightweight gold.

Thereafter, we’ll divert our attention to Israel Adesanya, who showed off his new car modification. Finally, to cap this one off, we have news about a hurdle popping up in Alex Pereira‘s plans for the rematch against Magomed Ankalaev for the light heavyweight title. Here we go!

UFC veteran backs Ilia Topuria to fight Islam Makhachev next

Former champion Charles Oliveira, #1 contender Arman Tsarykyan, and former interim champion Justin Gaethje – lightweight champ Islam Makhachev seem to have enough opponents for him to consider for his next title defense. But in the wake of Ilia Topuria’s move to the most stacked division in the UFC, there’s been chatter about Spain’s biggest MMA star getting inserted into a title fight against Makhachev.

The aforementioned contenders have clearly opposed it, claiming that Ilia Topuria needs to prove himself as a 155-er. Others are leaning toward the fact that his status as a star and a UFC champion—technically because his belt is still vacant—makes a strong case for a title shot. Former UFC welterweight fighter Matt Brown is interested in seeing ‘El Matador’ take on Islam Makhachev next to the other contenders, even though he understands the Dagestan native’s position of not wanting to fight another featherweight.

“I give it to Ilia. We’ve talked about it, Islam, he’ll give resistance to that. He’ll try for that not to be the fight. Rightfully enough, I think he should, but I don’t feel like anybody else has done anything significant to be just clear. That’s why there’s four of them [vying for a title shot],” Matt Brown told MMA Fighting. Furthermore, looking at Ilia Topuria’s track record, his popularity skyrocketed ever since he became a UFC champion. Brown, as such, claims that giving him a title is a win-win situation for the fighter and the UFC.

“No one has stuck out so much that you’re like, ‘OK, this guy should get the fight.’ I say give the opportunity to Ilia. Go see if it works for him. If it does, then you have an even more ginormous star in Ilia,” Matt Brown added. Well, do you agree with this assessment? But before you reveal your thoughts on it, here’s the next story.

Israel Adesanya gets his own McLaren 720S

Three defeats in a row—for some fans, this spells the end of the prime Israel Adesanya we’ve known for so many years. Despite what has happened inside the Octagon in his last few fights, ‘The Last Stylebender’ remains unfazed with a positive outlook on life—not to mention the many million-dollar paychecks he’s earned while being one of the top stars in the promotion as the former 2-time middleweight champion.

As much as Israel Adesanya loves martial arts, he loves to have fun and has other interests too. He’s got some serious luxury purchases, with some of them being sports cars. In a recent Instagram post, ‘Izzy’ shared a video, showing off a modified version of his McLaren 720S.

The car looked vibrant, wrapped in colorful vinyl, representing many things that Adesanya loves—themed around the anime character, ‘Naruto’. Adesanya was ecstatic at the sight of his modified McLaren and shared an encouraging message with his fans. “Whatever you do in life, do it your way. There are no rules, be free brothers.”  Now, before we wrap this roundup edition up, here’s the final noteworthy story from the last 24 hours.

Is Magomed Ankalaev walking away from Alex Pereira?

Well, not exactly, but Magomed Ankalaev is open to other contenders, according to his latest social media post. The light heavyweight champion addressed certain reports claiming that Alex Pereira was at full capacity due to an injury and norovirus. While he assured that he’s gearing up for a rematch, Ankalaev suggested that Pereira make up his mind quickly and give him an answer before fall.

“Joe Rogan mentioned his team said that Alex fought with a broken hand and Norovirus, when fighters step in the cage nobody is 100%,” Magomed Ankalaev wrote on X. “I was offered a rematch with him in August and I said, ‘Yes,’ but if he is not ready I will fight whoever is next it doesn’t matter.” 

After Alex Pereira lost the belt, he mentioned that he didn’t take much damage during the fight and would be ready as soon as possible. But with these reports about his health issues, we’ll have to wait and see if Dana White makes Ankalaev sit out until Pereira gets back to 100%.

What did you think of this edition’s MMA Roundup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below.