Let’s start the night off by taking look back over the three biggest stories of Friday, May 9, 2025.
- Stakes raised! Dana White confirms Ilia Topuria will challenge for Lightweight title next at UFC 317 (but with a Belal catch): Everybody already knew this, but it’s nice to have more official confirmation.
- Heavy Jose Aldo forced to change weight classes, UFC 315 bout ‘renegotiated’ following botched weigh ins: It’s frankly amazing Jose Aldo made Bantamweight so many times at his age. If he goes back to Featherweight next, how about Aldo vs. Patricio Pitbull?
- See ya! Jon Jones ditches Tom Aspinall fight, heads overseas to coach TUF knockoff against Nate Diaz: Jon Jones would rather fight a gorilla or coach Russian TUF than actually sign the contract to face Aspinall. Boo!
Insomnia
Muhammad Mokaev and Jeff Molina left the UFC under very different circumstances, but both of these Flyweight outcasts were/are top-notch prospects. The UFC Flyweight ranks would be stronger with them involved, but maybe a Karate Combat clash is the next best thing?