If Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria are ever to meet, it will be at 170 pounds.
Topuria has long been interested in a fight with Makhachev, whether it was when Makhachev was the UFC lightweight champion
or now with Makhachev holding welterweight gold. When Makhachev exited the 155-pound division, Topuria vacated his own featherweight title to make a successful move to lightweight and he became a two-division champion when he knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
Speaking to Match TV, Makhachev was asked whether he felt the potential superfight is more important for Topuria’s legacy than his.
“One hundred percent,” Makhachev said (Russian translation via Championship Rounds). “I’ve already been the lightweight champion, and I’m definitely not going down. And for him, I’ll repeat: He doesn’t lose anything by moving up. For me, it wouldn’t make sense to call out someone from a lower weight who just became champion. He hasn’t proven anything in lightweight yet.
“He’s got a lot of work to do there. Arman Tsarukyan is calling him out every day asking to fight.”
It’s unclear when Topuria will book his first lightweight title defense as the champion is currently taking time off from competition to deal with personal matters in the midst of a divorce. However, if the UFC ever sends the contract Makhachev’s way to take on Topuria, he’ll be happy to sign it.
“I’m open to it,” Makhachev said. “No problem.”
One possibility Makhachev has ruled out is dropping back down to 155 pounds to regain his title. Makhachev owns the UFC record for the most successful lightweight title defenses at four and added the welterweight belt to his collection this past November with a lopsided decision win over Jack Della Maddalena in November.
In all likelihood, both fighters will book title defenses before revisiting their grudge match.
“I had the belt at lightweight,” Makhachev said. “No one beat me there. I just left the belt and moved up. [Go back] for what? For a belt? That’s not interesting to me. If he wants to move up, then welcome.”
“He has nothing to lose by moving up,” Makhachev continued. “If he loses, he goes back down to lightweight and that’s it. He’ll defend his belt there.”
TOP STORIES
Declaration. Dana White says the ship has sailed on booking Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler.
Response. And in classic McGregor fashion, he doesn’t give a damn.
Tough. Kayla Harrison releases emotional statement following UFC 324 withdrawal.
Whoa. Jafel Filho and his family survived a terrifying incident in Brazil.
Ugly. Paddy Pimblett calls out Dan Hooker for crossing the line in their feud.
Out. Jimmy Crute has suffered a serious knee injury and won’t be fighting at UFC 325.
Elite. RAF has added all-world wrestler Abdulrashid Sadulaev to the roster.
VIDEO STEW
Between the Links.
Show off.
Paddy on Paramount.
Demetrious Johnson chats it up with Song Yadong.
This would be wild, even for MMA.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Big Ank time again.
A welcome addition.
Gotta love a good ol’ fashioned grand prix.
InnerG is in the game.
Such a tall, rangy opponent, who could he be preparing for?
Contrast.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I’m legitimately torn on whether I care about Makhachev and Topuria ever fighting. On the one hand, never a bad thing to see arguably the No. 1 and No. 2 Pound-for-Pound fighters in the world throw down. But both fighters have so many compelling challengers, particularly Makhachev, that it seems silly to put both of their contender lines on hold for a fight that—given the size disparity—might not actually prove anything?
Like, imagine if Makhachev just Valentina’d Topuria. It would be impressive, but also kind of sucky, right?
Anyway, let me know what you think.
EXIT POLL
If you find something you’d like to see in the Morning Report, hit up @AlexanderKlee or @JedKMeshew on Twitter and let us know about it. Also, follow MMAFighting on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and like us on Facebook.
