Under threat from Topuria, Makhachev reveals condition for returning to lightweight; understand.

Islam makhachev He is a former UFC lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India

Even after becoming champion in the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg) and achieving the record for consecutive wins in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Islam makhachev continues to be the target of Ilia Topuria, owner of the lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg.), former territory of the Russian. In this context, the Dagestan Clan member opened up about the possibilities of returning to the category during a press conference at Uytash Airport last Sunday (23).

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Being honest and objective, the Russian highlighted the difficulty of reaching the lightweight limit (up to 70,3 kg) at 34 years old, and stated that he would only consider a return to his former division if the UFC offered him a high amount of money as payment.

“Regarding 70,3 kilograms… it would have to be a very good offer to make me cut down to 70,3 kg again. I’m not as young for this sport anymore, and every weight cut is very detrimental to my health. It’s not as easy as it used to be,” stated Makhachev, who holds the record for title defenses in the most popular weight class in MMA.

Islam makhachev says going back to lightweight won't happen unless the offer is big enough

"As for 155… it would have to be a very good offer to make me cut down to 155 once again. I'm not that young for this sport, and every weight cut takes a lot of health from me. It's… pic.twitter.com/F1FcQIyqR3

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) November 24, 2025

Immediately after the victory against Jack Della Maddalena In the UFC, it was announced... video which showed that the Russian entered the octagon weighing almost 86 kg, a weight even above the middleweight division limit (up to 83,9 kg).

Topuria does not rule out facing Makhachev in the welterweight division.

Ilia Topuria is undefeated in MMA. Photo: Reproduction 'X'/Topuriailia

Although he reached the top of the sport in both the featherweight (up to 65,7 kg) and lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) divisions, Ilia Topuria He surprised everyone by raising the possibility of changing weight classes once again. In May of this year, the Georgian/Spanish fighter made himself available to face Makhachev at 77,1 kg.

“If the fans want to see me in the welterweight division and the company has a champion at the time, why not? I fight to entertain people, but I also have to be motivated by the challenge. If the opportunity arises, I will be willing,” Topuria stated during an interview with journalist Álvaro Colmenero at the time.