Islam Makhachev, the former lightweight champion and current welterweight titleholder, has expressed his willingness to face Ilia Topuria, the current lightweight champion, in a highly anticipated fight. Makhachev, ranked number one in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings, and Topuria, ranked second, have been engaged in a war of words over who is the better fighter.
In a recent interview with Match TV, Makhachev stated that he is open to fighting Topuria, but on one condition: Topuria must move up to welterweight. Makhachev emphasized that he will not move down to lightweight, a division he has already conquered, and is no longer interested in competing in. He believes that Topuria has nothing to lose by moving up to welterweight, as he can always return to lightweight to defend his title if he loses.
Makhachev also noted that Topuria still has a lot to achieve in the lightweight division, citing Arman Tsarukyan’s frequent calls to fight him. The Russian fighter believes that the potential bout is more important for Topuria, as he has already proven himself as a lightweight champion and is now looking to make a statement at welterweight.
Jack Della Maddalena, who lost to Makhachev at UFC 322, predicts that Makhachev will emerge victorious due to his size advantage. However, he also acknowledges Topuria’s heavy punching power and believes that the fight has the potential to be exciting if Topuria can keep it standing and land significant blows.
The potential fight between Makhachev and Topuria is considered one of the biggest matchups the UFC can make, pitting two of the promotion’s top pound-for-pound fighters against each other. While Makhachev has laid down conditions for the fight, it remains to be seen whether Topuria will be willing to move up to welterweight to make the bout a reality. If the fight does come to fruition, it is likely to be a highly anticipated and closely watched event in the world of mixed martial arts.
