If Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria meet, it will be at 170 kilograms.
Topuria has long wanted to fight Makhachev, whether Makhachev was the UFC lightweight champion or now Makhachev holds the welterweight gold. When Makhachev dropped out of the 155-pound division, Topuria vacated his featherweight title to move up to lightweight and became a two-division champion when he knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
Advertisement
Speaking to Match TV, Makhachev was asked if he thought the potential fight was more important to Topuria’s legacy than his own.
“One hundred percent,” said Makhachev (Russian translation via Championship Rounds). “I’ve already become a lightweight champion, and I’m not really going down. And to him, I’ll say it again: He’s not losing anything by moving up. For me, it wouldn’t make sense to call someone from a lower weight who just became a champion. He hasn’t proven anything at lightweight yet.
“He has a lot of work to do there. Arman Tsarukyan calls him every day asking for a fight.”
It is unclear when Topuria will make his first lightweight title defense as the champion is currently taking a break from competition to deal with personal issues amid a divorce. However, if the UFC ever sends a contract Makhachev’s way to take on Topuria, he will be happy to sign it.
Advertisement
“I’m open to it,” Makhachev said. “No problem.”
Another possibility is that Makhachev decided to move down to 155 kilograms in order to regain his title. Makhachev holds the UFC record for most successful lightweight title defenses with four and added the welterweight belt to his collection last November with a convincing decision win over Jack Della Maddalena in November.
Most likely, both fighters will fight to defend the title before returning to their grudge match.
“I was holding the belt at lightweight,” said Makhachev. “No one beat me there, I just left the belt and went up. [Go back] why? With a belt? That doesn’t interest me. If he wants to go up, he is welcome.”
Advertisement
“He has nothing to lose by going up,” Makhachev continued. “If he loses, he returns to lightweight and will defend his belt there.”
An announcement. Dana White says the ship has sailed when booking Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler.
The answer. And in classic McGregor fashion, he gives you nothing.
It’s difficult. Kayla Harrison releases emotional statement following UFC 324 withdrawal.
Wow. Jafel Filho and his family survived the horrific incident in Brazil.
Bad. Paddy Pimblett calls out Dan Hooker for crossing the line in their feud.
Get out. Jimmy Crute has a serious knee injury and will not fight at UFC 325.
Advertisement
Elite. The RAF has added world-class sculptor Abdulrashid Sadulaev to the list.
Between Links.
Show off.
Paddy at Paramount.
Demetrious Johnson discusses it with Ngoma Yadong.
This would be unusual, even in MMA.
It’s Ank’s big time again.
A welcome addition.
Gotta love a good fashion grand prix.
InnerG is in the game.
Such a tall, brutal opponent, who are you preparing for?
Compare.
I’m legitimately worried if I care about Makhachev and Topuria ever fighting. On the other hand, it’s never a bad thing to see arguably the No. 1 players. 1 and No. 2 Pound-for-Pound in the world throwing down. But both fighters have so many compelling challenges, especially Makhachev, that it seems silly to line up both of them in a fight that might prove nothing—given the disparity in size?
Advertisement
Like, imagine if Makhachev just Valentina’d Topuria. It can be impressive, but also kind, right?
Anyway, let me know what you think.
If you find something you’d like to see on the morning news, hit the top @AlexanderKlee or @JedKMeshew on Twitter and let us know about it. Also, follow MMAFighting at Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTokand like us Facebook.
