Ilia Topuria e Islam makhachev These are big names in the UFC. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage.
Islam makhachev shows no interest in confronting Ilia Topuria in the lightweight division (up to 70,3kg). After dominating the category, the Dagestani fighter relinquished the belt, moved up to welterweight (up to 77kg) and won his second UFC title, a move that cooled the possibility of a super fight with the Spaniard, who took over the position he left. Now, with both holding belts, the confrontation would only be viable under one clear condition, according to the pupil of Khabib Nurmagomedov.
In an interview with Match TV, Makhachev explained that he sees no point in returning to lightweight, since no one has managed to beat him in that division. According to the welterweight champion, the only alternative would be for Topuria to move up a weight class, as the Spaniard wouldn't face significant risks in making that transition, and could return to lightweight if he loses.
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"I already held the lightweight belt, nobody beat me there. That doesn't interest me. If the (Ilia Topuria"If he wants to move up a weight class, then welcome. He can move up because he has nothing to lose. If he loses, he goes back to lightweight and that's it. He'll defend the belt there... I was already lightweight champion and I'm definitely not going down again," he said. Islam makhachev.
Although he is willing to share the octagon with Ilia Topuria, Islam makhachev He doesn't believe the Spaniard will rise in the short term, as, in his assessment, there are still many challenges to be faced in the lightweight division.
"He (Ilia TopuriaHe hasn't proven anything in the lightweight division yet. He has a lot of work to do there. Arman Tsarukyan "He challenges him every day, asking him to fight," concluded the Dagestani.
Who will face Islam Makhachev for the UFC title?
After dominate Jack Della Maddalena and win the UFC welterweight belt, Islam makhachev He became the main target of one of the most competitive divisions in the organization.
In the race for a title shot, they stand out. Carlos Prates e MichaelMorales, who, with knockout victories in UFC 322, emerged as favorite options among the public. Another strong contender is Ian Gary, buoyed by a major triumph over Belal Muhammad | No. UFC Qatar.
In addition to the trio of prospects, Kamaru Usman He's an outsider. The former champion is considered one of the greatest welterweights in UFC history and is coming off a convincing victory over... Joaquin buckley, which keeps his name alive in the fight for the belt.
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