
Islam makhachev with the UFC lightweight belt (Photo: Instagram)
Islam makhachev has other plans. The current UFC lightweight champion has withdrawn from a possible fight against Ilia Topuria and promised not to enter the octagon with the Georgian, at least for now. In an interview with 'Adin Ross' on YouTube, the Russian was direct and straightforward in justifying his decision. For him, the fight against the featherweight belt holder (up to 65,7 kg) does not make sense at this point in his career.
“I get asked all the time about fighting Ilia, but it doesn’t make sense. Why would I fight him? There’s no belt on the line, and I already have the money. I don’t need it. Besides, I’ve already fought some guys who come from the lower division,” Makhachev said.
See too
The refusal is not a definitive denial, but rather a pragmatic view of someone who has already reached the top. Makhachev is focused on defending his lightweight belt against Arman Tsarukyan, in a rematch scheduled for the UFC 311, on Saturday (18). This fight, by the way, is personal. The confrontation between them took place for the first time in 2019, when the Russian won by unanimous decision, but the Armenian, since then, has shown considerable evolution.
Makhachev is no stranger to unusual challenges. After winning the belt against Charles of the Bronx No. UFC 280, the Russian accepted the challenge of facing Alexander Volkanovsky, until then champion. And, after a five-round fight in the UFC 284, came away with the victory by unanimous decision.
You need login To comment.