During UFC Abu Dhabi, Islam Makhachev addressed the recent shift in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings, criticizing Ilia Topuria’s rise over him. The controversial ranking update came following Topuria’s recent victory, sparking debate on how UFC brass manage the rankings.
Mohammad Yahya Suffers Severe Eye Injury in Historic UFC Knockdown Defeat
The UFC Abu Dhabi prelims featured a brutal matchup where local fighter Mohammad Yahya endured a devastating eye injury after taking repeated knockdowns from Steven Nguyen. Nguyen knocked Yahya down a record six times, with five knockdowns happening in the first round alone.
Despite Yahya’s resilience, referee Jason Herzog stopped the fight early in the second round as Yahya’s left orbital area became increasingly swollen and compromised. This incident marked one of the most alarming injuries seen in recent UFC events and highlighted the intense physical toll these contests can take.
Islam Makhachev Critiques Ilia Topuria’s Ascension in UFC Pound-for-Pound Rankings
Islam Makhachev publicly responded to Ilia Topuria surpassing him in the UFC pound-for-pound list. Speaking during the Abu Dhabi event, Makhachev described the change as a strategic move engineered by the UFC leadership rather than based purely on merit. His frustration is rooted in the fact that, despite remaining undefeated in the lightweight division, he was displaced by Topuria.
Topuria earned the lightweight title and secured his status as a two-division champion with a dominant win over Charles Oliveira, leading to his elevated ranking. However, Makhachev perceives this rise as a calculated decision by UFC brass.
Ben Askren Shares Emotional Insight into His Physical Struggles After Lung Transplant
Former UFC fighter Ben Askren released a candid video revealing the significant physical challenges he faces after a lung transplant. Appearing frail and shirtless, supported by a walker, Askren disclosed he has lost 35 pounds and finds it difficult even to lift a five-pound dumbbell.
“I’ve been home for four days now. It’s awesome. I can sleep in my own bed, eat my own food, and hang out with my family. It’s great. That being said, I still have so many physical challenges to deal with. I’m still down about 35 pounds from where I should be. I have to walk with a walker. I can’t walk.”
—Ben Askren, Former UFC Fighter
“This five-pound weight, this is actually hard for me to curl. Right before I had to go to the hospital, like in this video here, I was feeling strong. I was probably curling 45 pounds. I definitely wasn’t using a walker. I was probably out doing hill sprints. So we go back to the Stockholm paradox I was talking about. I am where I am right now, but I’m going to be somewhere different in a month.”
—Ben Askren, Former UFC Fighter
Askren’s message underscores the profound physical and emotional toll that serious medical conditions can impose, even on elite athletes, while also expressing hope for future improvement.
Implications of Recent UFC Events and Rankings Developments
The outcomes at UFC Abu Dhabi have not only revealed the intense physical risks fighters endure but have also stirred controversy surrounding UFC pound-for-pound rankings. Islam Makhachev’s vocal criticism of Ilia Topuria’s ascent reflects ongoing debates within the MMA community about transparency and criteria in ranking decisions.
Meanwhile, the injury suffered by Mohammad Yahya serves as a stark reminder of the dangers fighters face each time they step into the octagon. Ben Askren’s public disclosure of his health challenges offers a poignant perspective on life after professional fighting and the resilience required beyond the sport.
These developments collectively highlight dynamic narratives within UFC competition, affecting fighters’ legacies and the organization’s approach to rankings and fighter welfare moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Ilia Topuria Turkish?
A. Ilia Topuria, born on January 21, 1997, is a professional fighter in mixed martial arts. He is from both Georgia and Spain. He fights in the Lightweight category of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and holds the title of UFC Lightweight Champion.