Ilia Topuria wants to face Islam Makhachev in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Montage SUPER LUTAS
Ranked first and second in the UFC's pound-for-pound rankings, respectively, Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev are generating great curiosity among fans when they talk about a potential future fight. With the approval already given by Dana White, the fighters are anticipating a champion clash, should the Russian become the new welterweight champion (up to 77,1kg) next.
Keeping an eye on the situation, Chael Sonnen went against the popular opinion and didn't hesitate to declare that the duel is being overrated. In the veteran's view, the best fight to be made at the moment is Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett , athletes who already have a history of rivalry from the past.
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“Islam vs. Ilia isn’t the huge fight they’re trying to sell it as. It might be in a while. Right now, Ilia vs. Paddy has a much bigger impact. If you put a belt on Islam, then maybe we’ll have a different conversation,” Sonnen said on ESPN MMA.
Current lightweight champion Topuria is eagerly anticipating his first title defense. Although he doesn't yet have a confirmed opponent, the fighter is constantly receiving challenges from Arman Tsarukyan and Pimblett, who are trying to provoke a fight through taunts and interviews.
According to Dana, if Makhachev becomes welterweight champion, Topuria will be scheduled to face him shortly thereafter. It's worth noting that the Georgian-Spanish fighter would be competing to become the first UFC fighter to win three titles in different weight classes.
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