Islam Makhachev’s manager would like to see Ilia Topuria earn his title shot at lightweight.
Topuria vacated his UFC featherweight title for a move up to 155 pounds. Lightweight champion Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) previously said he’s not interested in fighting another 145-pounder in Topuria, and his manager agrees.
Rizvan Magomedov suggests Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) face one of two top-ranked UFC lightweights to become No. 1 contender.
“Topuria vs Dustin/Charles contender fight, to prove he’s legit lightweight. So we don’t have to defeat another ‘small featherweight.’ We need big fight that make sense for everyone. We already gave chances to featherweight champ that was reigning for long time.”
Topuria vs Dustin/Charles contender fight, to prove he’s legit lightweight. So we don’t have to defeat another ‘small featherweight’ We need big fight that make sense for everyone.
We already gave chances to featherweight champ that was reigning for long time.
— Rizvan Magomedov (@Rizvan_RM) February 20, 2025
Two of Makhachev’s record-breaking four UFC lightweight title defenses came against ex-featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski. He was scheduled to rematch Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 last month, but wound up facing Renato Moicano instead when Tsarukyan withdrew due to a back injury the day before. Makhachev made quick work of Moicano, but UFC CEO Dana White said Tsarukyan will not get his title-fight rebooked next.
Topuria made his lightweight debut in March 2022 when he knocked out Jai Herbert, but opted to return to 145 pounds in his next fight. He climbed his way to title contention, and is coming off back-to-back knockouts of former champs Alexander Volkanovski, and most recently Max Holloway at UFC 308.
