After Takeback on ‘Ducking’ Claims, Ilia Topuria Proposes New Belt To Sell Islam Makhachev ‘Super Fight’

After UFC 317 pay-per-view (PPV) main event, Ilia Topuria wants a battle for the #1 pound-for-pound spot with Islam Makhachev.

After Takeback on ‘Ducking’ Claims, Ilia Topuria Proposes New Belt To Sell Islam Makhachev ‘Super Fight’

Ilia Topuria wants pound-for-pound crown battle with Islam Makhachev (Source: X)

Both Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev have gone their ways and are sitting a weight class apart. “El Matador” relinquished 145-pound gold for this PPV title super fight, but Islam Makhachev was pleaded to opt for a move up. Now, Topuria challenges the vacant UFC 155-pound crown this Saturday, UFC 317 PPV main event, live from T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas.

Ilia Topuria cleared his stance that Makhachev isn’t ducking, per se, and told “The Ariel Helwani Show” for ‘Uncrowned’ Combat that, like him, he just wants to be a two-weight champion. This is in light of Makhachev’s training partner, Umar Nurmagomedov, saying that UFC CBO Hunter Campbell visited him to plead for a shift up to 170.

Both Topuria and challenger Charles Oliveira had promises of a 155-pound top shot, and this was the only way. Hence, a more amicable Topuria is settling on that. But he still wants to make that PPV payday against the promotion’s #1 P4P fighter.

During an interview with Carlos Contreras Legaspi (@CCLegaspi for ESPNDeportes), Topuria intimated that a prospective super fight with Makhachev would be one of the most significant bouts in the sport. Hence, with the titular factor at lightweight gone, it could be for a new pound-for-pound title. Topuria is at the #3 spot on the pound-for-pound list with back-to-back KOs at featherweight and a maiden defense.

Islam Makhachev sits at the top and was the first-ever fighter in a pound-for-pound battle, though “El Matador” would likely jump ahead of his friend Merab Dvalishvili (#2) with a win this weekend. While contending for the spot makes sense, a new belt does not; barring WMMA flyweight or featherweight, and interim titles, UFC Execs do not just roll out a new strap. The only exception was the “BMF” belt, a silver strap by status.

The feedback on MMA outlets and socials isn’t overwhelmingly positive on the matter. The consensus thought is that the fight would sell itself. Some have jibed that Topuria has a ‘belt kink’ and would either go down as a yapper or a GOAT fighter in the days to come. However, the fans are hopeful he defends his guard if he wins the vacant title this weekend, and again, immediately does not leave the division. There are hazards on the way, even if he stays around at 155 pounds.

Paddy Pimblett ready to throw UFC 317 PPV headliner off balance by KOing out Ilia Topuria if “it goes off” at fight week

Ahead of UFC 317 in Las Vegas this week, Ilia Topuria may have his eyes set higher on more than just the threat of Charles Oliveira. Standing in the way of Topuria’s goal is Oliveira, who has high motivations and has had his promise for a 155-pound top shot for a while now. He is a prolific finisher with UFC Record Books tooting his tunes about submissions and FOTN post-fight bonuses.

Ilia Topuria gets stern warning from another prize-hunting lightweight
Ilia Topuria gets stern warning from another prize-hunting lightweight (Source: X)

However, with just days to go, another lightweight has issued a threat to the Spaniard, and no, it’s not Islam Makhachev. By all estimates, Islam Makhachev challenges for the 170-pound crown sometime later this year, possibly in an October PPV slot.

Among those gunning for a top shot and a PPV title scrapper with the winner of Topuria vs. Olveira is Paddy Pimblett. “Baddy” entered the top 10 and now perches as the No.8-ranked 155-pounder on the Athletes’ listings, after a recent third-round TKO of Michael Chandler. The Liverpudlian will be cageside this weekend on the off-chance Ilia Topuria names him in a post-might mic time.

The duo has had one of the best modern-era feuds on the roster. Pimblett says he won’t be the one to start things, but he’s also warned that he won’t be afraid to put UFC 317 at risk by knocking out Topuria.

I’m going to be there in Las Vegas on June 28 cageside, …If he mentions me, I’ll be getting pulled into the cage and I’ll be laughing my head off. It’ll be quite funny…quite funny, lad…I don’t cause trouble; I just turn up! The time in London when Ilia got the hand sanitizer bottle bounced off his head, …It’s not me who causes mischief; If I see him and it goes off, you never know, I might knock him out and he might not even be able to fight Oliveira. I’m not one of those who turns up to try and cause mayhem. If he wants to try and start something though, I’ll finish it.

Paddy Pimblett to UFC 317 exclusive media interview for casino.org

A physical altercation was averted in London when a brawl between Pimblett and Topuria at the fighter hotel prior to a 2022 event was quickly split up by security personnel and watchers. What headed the incident was that the Scouser had already made disparaging remarks about Georgia on social media.

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