Makhachev is not excited about Topuria's challenge, but warns: 'If you want to see him lose, we will do it'

Islam makhachev He is UFC champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/@ufc

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Despite the rumors of a possible weight gain on the part of Ilia Topuria, the idea doesn't seem to be exciting Islam makhachev, UFC lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg). After the Georgian/Spanish stated that he would win a possible duel by submission recently, the Russian responded that he does not see many advantages in a fight with the featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg).

“I’m not interested in Topuria. He fights in a different weight class. If I beat him, what will that give me? I won’t win the belt. Everyone will say I beat a lighter fighter again, and that’s it. But if people want to see him lose, we can do that,” Makhachev told US channel Match TV.

Even with Topuria's challenge, Makhachev has business to attend to in his own division. The champion is expected to defend his title against Arman Tsarukyan No. UFC 311, the first pay-per-view of 2025. Although it has not yet been officially announced, the fight will be a rematch. The two faced each other for the first time in 2019, with the Russian winning by unanimous decision.

Arman Tsarukyan (left) and Islam makhachev (right) faced each other in 2019. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

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Makhachev has done this before

Facing the champion of the lower category would not be an unprecedented challenge for Makhachev. Soon after winning the title in a victory against Charles of the Bronx No. UFC 280, the fighter made his first defense against Alexander Volkanovsky, then owner of the featherweight belt (up to 65,7 kg) and first place in the pound-for-pound ranking in the world.

After a very balanced fight with the Australian, he emerged victorious by unanimous decision in the UFC 284, in Perth, Australia.

UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski

February 11th, 2023

Islam makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovsky 1

The grappling exchanges in this fight are a treat to watch! Volk showed immense endurance to wriggle out of countless positions and somehow defended well enough to give himself a… pic.twitter.com/07sulzMDhY

— Mixed Martial Aus (@MixedMartialAus) July 1, 2024

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