News Roundup MMA: Robert Whittaker Plans Retirement, Ilia Topuria Targets Islam Makhachev, Gunnar Nelson Injured

It has been a busy week of big news in the mixed martial arts world with former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker stating his retirement intentions and newly crowned lightweight champion Ilia Topuria targeting Islam Makhachev.

There are also a number of fight card adjustments and international tournaments that have defined the scene before the summer fight season.

Robert Whittaker maps four-fight path to retirement

Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker has revealed his strategic plan for concluding his illustrious career, stating he envisions exactly four more fights before hanging up his gloves. The Australian fighter, known as "The Reaper," is scheduled to face Reinier de Ridder in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26, 2025, at the Etihad Arena.

Robert Whittaker's strategic timeline for championship return

Whittaker explained his reasoning behind the specific number, noting that four fights would position him for another title shot and the "fairy tale ending" he desires. Despite recent setbacks, including a submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev where he suffered a gruesome dental injury, Whittaker remains confident in his striking abilities and knockout power.The 36-year-old veteran has compiled a 6-3 record in his recent run, with notable victories over Paulo Costa, Ikram Aliskerov, Marvin Vettori, and Jared Cannonier.

His upcoming bout against de Ridder represents a crucial step in his retirement timeline, as the Dutch fighter has gone undefeated since joining the UFC in 2024.

Abu Dhabi showdown sets stage for final chapter

Fans can watch UFC Abu Dhabi live on ESPN+ pay-per-view, with the main card scheduled for 2 PM ET on 26th July. The event will showcase several key middleweight contenders vying for position in one of the UFC's most competitive divisions.

Ilia Topuria accuses Islam Makhachev of avoiding a lightweight showdown

Newly crowned UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has publicly criticized Islam Makhachev for vacating the 155-pound title instead of defending it against him.

Topuria, who captured the vacant lightweight belt with a stunning knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, expressed disappointment that his original target chose to move up to welterweight.

El Matador's claims of strategic avoidance

The Georgian Spanish fighter, aka El Matador, pointed at Makhachev as the latter opted to skip what would have been their fight on the excuse that he had to respect COVID-19 restrictions, that El Matador did not blame the Dagestani fighter because he had realized that he was coming to fight a serious fighter.

The fact that Topuria defeated Oliveira has made him one of the few boxers who have won two weight crowns at the same time, since he used to be a featherweight champion.

Championship defense options and legacy building

UFC veteran Matt Brown has weighed in on Topuria's next opponent, arguing that Arman Tsarukyan deserves the first title defense opportunity over the more commercially appealing Paddy Pimblett matchup. Brown believes a victory over Tsarukyan would elevate Topuria to "Jon Jones-level greatness" and cement his legacy among the sport's all-time greats.The lightweight division remains one of the UFC's most talent-rich weight classes, with multiple deserving contenders including Justin Gaethje and the winner of upcoming eliminator bouts. Topuria has also expressed interest in moving up to welterweight if Makhachev successfully captures that title from Jack Della Maddalena.Also Read: Why Sean O’Malley is relieved Ilia Topuria ignored his callout after UFC 317 knockoutThis is a feature of contemporary MMA, where fighters who want to establish their legacy in the sport need to move through not only popularity in the ring but also commercial viability among different weight classes.