What happened: On Ariel Helwani Show, host Ariel Helwani backed the booking of Quillan Salkilld vs. Benoit Saint Denis for the February 6 UFC Sydney main event while criticizing how the promotion billed their rankings. Helwani pointed out that the UFC listed Salkilld at No. 6 via the Meta rankings and Saint Denis at No. 6 via the media rankings for the same bout. In the media poll, Saint Denis sits at No. 6 ahead of No. 7 Salkilld, whereas the Meta rankings flip the two fighters.

Why it matters: Helwani argued on the show that mixing the two systems contradicts Dana White's stated pitch that the Meta system would fix flawed media panels. He urged the UFC to drop the media rankings altogether and stick to one list rather than selecting whichever ranking places a fighter higher. On the fight itself, Helwani said Saint Denis — coming off a loss to Paddy Pimblett — is a logical step up for Salkilld, whom he views as one or two wins from the title picture.

What to watch: Salkilld and Saint Denis are set to headline the UFC's return to Sydney on February 6. On the program, Helwani also scheduled Wednesday interviews with Alexander Volkanovski, Alexander Volkov, Colby Thicknesse, and O'Shaquie Foster.