Makhachev appeals to UFC to allow Topuria to move to lightweight, but does not guarantee immediate fight

Lightweight champion reciprocates the interest, but says that the Spanish-Georgian needs to prove that he deserves the chance he has dreamed of fighting for his second Ultimate belt

cropped-Islam-Makhachev-UFC-311-Twitter-UFC-News.jpg

I. Makhachev is the current UFC lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/X

Reigning in the lightweight division (70,3 kg) and with authority in the face of the challenges imposed, Islam makhachev shows that he is willing to measure his strength against the previously undefeated Ilia Topuria. Despite appealing to the UFC to allow the athlete to move to a new division, the Russian imposed a condition for the fight to take place.

“I’m not going to give him a title shot at this point because he hasn’t done all the work that’s supposed to be done in his weight class. There are still prospects he needs to beat, but if he doesn’t want to cut more weight, let him move up, earn his shot and then we’ll definitely fight,” Makhachev said in an interview with Match TV.

PUBLICITY:

See too

Jake Paul / Reproduction
Sean Strickland (left) lost his rematch to Dricus du Plessis (right) at UFC 312. Photo: Instagram UFC
Israel Adesanya and Alex Poatan together at UFC 312. Photo: Instagram / UFC

Still hoping to have his future defined by the organization, Topuria does not hide the fact that his greatest desire is to move up a weight class in his next appearance. According to the athlete, making the weight of his current division is proving difficult. Despite Makhachev's words, the Spanish-Georgian said he is willing to fight against Charles of the Bronx, so that in case of victory, he will have the opportunity to fight for the belt.

Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria was one of the winners of the UFC 308 bonus / Reproduction Instagram UFC

Ilia Topuria want to face Islam makhachev in the future. Photo: Reproduction/ Instagram/ UFC

PUBLICITY:

On the other hand, Islam also plans to abandon his throne to go after his second title. The Russian intends to go to welterweight (up to 77,1 kg) and does not rule out facing his training partner. Belal Muhammad |.

Read More about: , , , ,


UFC Las Vegas 104 results UFC 313 results UFC Vegas 103 results UFC Seattle Results UFC Las Vegas 102 results