It appears that Ilia Topuria wasn’t lying when he mentioned the reason why he vacated the featherweight division for a move. #1 contender Arman Tsarukyan recently made some interesting statements about the UFC’s plans for ‘La Leyenda’ as he backed Topuria’s claim that he’d been promised a fight for Islam Makhachev‘s belt. And guess what? He also mentioned a scenario where things could go the Georgian-Spanish star’s way.
As we all know, it is common knowledge for most fans that Islam Makhachev doesn’t want to give another chance to a featherweight champion who hasn’t really made a mark in the lightweight division. Ilia Topuria needs, at least, one win to make his case for a title shot, claims the Dagestan native. Arman Tsarukyan echoed the same sentiment and even defended his rival’s decision to avoid a 145’er, hinting that Makhachev is probably moving up after fighting the #1 contender, who is ‘Ahalkalakets’ himself.
“I think he left 145 lbs because they said, ‘Okay, we’re gonna give you title fight,’” Arman Tsarukyan stated on the JAXXON Podcast. “Islam doesn’t want to fight him because if he beats him, people gonna say, ‘Okay, he again beat 145’er. He’s not a contender. If Islam beats me, then I think he’s done in this division. He beat everybody. He gotta beat me and people can say that.”
However, UFC 315 will give us the answer about Islam Makhachev’s potential move. If Belal Muhammad retains his title, maybe the 155 lbs kingpin will have to give in to Ilia Topuria’s demands for a title shot, according to Tsarukyan. “If he doesn’t move [to 170 lbs], yeah, [Makhachev will fight Topuria],” the 28-year-old added.
MMA: UFC 311 Makhachev vs Moicano Jan 18, 2025 Inglewood, California, USA Islam Makhachev red gloves reacts after defeating Renato Moicano blue gloves in a lightweight title fight during UFC 311 at Intuit Dome. Inglewood Intuit Dome California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xGaryxA.xVasquezx 20250118_jhp_sv5_0501
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