What’s the biggest showdown that the UFC is yet to announce? It’s the anticipated clash between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. The reigning featherweight champion relinquished his title recently with an intent to move to the lightweight division. Reason? To square off against the 155 lbs champ, Islam Makhachev. However, despite the rise, the UFC has yet to announce a fight for either of them. In the meantime, Ilia Topuria has stepped forward to share his thoughts on Islam Makhachev, along with some big news. What is it? Let’s find out.
Ilia Topuria has expressed his desire to face Islam Makhachev without any reservations. In his recent confession, ‘El Matador’ asserted that he would only fight Makhachev before considering any other lightweight bouts. But will the Dagestani be equally interested in facing the undefeated Georgian? Maybe not, as Makhachev has already defended his title twice against a 145er and is not in the mood to accept any challenge from another featherweight. However, Ilia Touria in his recent X post ascertained that their fight talks may be in the loop. “When we announce it, you won’t believe it. Get ready,” wrote ‘El Matador’ on his X.
That’s not all, in his recent confession with the ‘HardStyle TV,’ Ilia Topuria ignited his beef with the 155 lbs champ when he asserted that he has the potential to knock out or even submit Islam Makhachev, “Islam is tough, but at the same time, I don’t know what could make me doubt myself—that I won’t knock him out or submit him.”
Is a fight announcement on the horizon? Ilia Topuria has been vocal about his desire to fight for the lightweight title, turning down every other fight to keep the path clear. However, what raises questions is whether Makhachev is willing to face someone from a lower-weight class. Why? We have two points for that:
Islam Makhachev wants to fight for a second title and claim it as it has always been his dream, “I don’t know when it’s going to happen but I am not leaving this sport without a second belt.“
Time is a major factor for Makhachev, especially with Usman Nurmagomedov, who is set to debut in the UFC in 2027, following the ‘Father’s Plan.’ Since Nurmagomedov will most likely enter the lightweight division, Makhachev would need to clear the way, as Team Khabib members never fight each other.
As things are a bit complicated on Team Khabib’s side, it makes no sense for Islam Makhachev to fight against Ilia Topuria. Interestingly, a former UFC fighter has even come forward to give a piece of advice to the Dagestani about taking Ilia Topuria’s fight.
Matt Brown advised Islam Makhachev to not take the Ilia Topuria fight
With four title defenses under his belt, Islam Makhachev is climbing the ladder to become the most accomplished lightweight fighter in the history of the promotion, surpassing his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov and as he climbs up the ladder, a fight against another 145er doesn’t make sense for him as per legendary former UFC fighter Matt Brown. While having a conversation with the ‘The Fighter VS The Writer’, Brown recommended that Makhachev make his next defense against someone his own weight.
“If I was Islam, I wouldn’t take the fight with Topuria. I totally agree with what he said about ‘I don’t need to fight another 145-pound fighter,’” said Brown. Out of his four title defenses, Islam Makhachev defended his title twice against Alexander Volkanovski, so these simple statistics leave immense room for Makhachev to defend his title against other lightweights.
Brown further explained that Ilia Topuria has what it takes to become the lightweight champion, “What Ilia has done… I think he has earned the right to fight for a title in basically every division, but I agree that let him fight one day before and earn the fight with Islam,” However, Brown believes that the fighter should test himself against any other lightweight before facing the final boss.
With uncertainty shadowing the lightweight realm, what are your thoughts on the fate of Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev? State your thoughts in the comments below.
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