Dana White proposed with blueprint to make bigger fight than Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall

Under review, Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev could drive up to be bigger than Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall unifier if done right.

Dana White proposed with blueprint to make bigger fight than Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall

Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev could get bigger than Tom Aspinall vs. Jon Jones (Source: X)

Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall in a UFC heavyweight unifier is the #1 fight on the MMA community’s wish list. The promotion’s No. 1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter, Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria, caps off a close #2 spot. Despite some hassles and bargains, these two scraps are edging nearer to a reality every day.

It was another thing where GOAT Jon Jones was driving up the value, asking for “f—k you” money and a legacy retirement. Now, with Alex Pereira on a loss and off the board, him vs. Tom Aspinall is the only big option to make. However, MMA’s ‘Bad Guy’ and bold instigator Chael Sonnen has ideas. One such idea propelled the Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria title scrap to greater levels.

If they didn’t announce it, there is room to hold out hope that Ilia is gonna have one fight first because Ilia versus Islam is a big fight… That is not crazy blockbuster business. You give Ilia one victory over Charles, over Arman, over Gaethje, and then you make that poster for him in Islam — We’re having a completely different conversation to the point that I would believe that would be as big as Jones and Aspinall!

Chael Sonnen on ‘Good Guy/Bad Guy’ Show
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The Dagestani has remained a longtime UFC 155-pound kingpin and has mauled through competition. Makhachev has proved why he’s the best pound-for-pound right now. Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria, a crisp boxer, rose to the top last year. The only deterrent is that he is unheralded at lightweight, which has attracted reservations about the move.

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Topuria’s camp from Club Climente (Spain) bills his wrestling as untested and off the charts. His manager also doused that he went through Alexander Volkanovski more dominantly than Makhachev, which is a testament to his P4P prowess.

“El Matador” relinquishes his 145-pound strap at UFC 314 PPV for a move up; he has remained keen on facing big names. Even a Charles Oliveira title eliminator bout makes sense for the undefeated fighter. If he does so, Sonnen argues it will be a lot bigger than Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall, which should have been mandatory unification long ago.

UFC lightweight gives surprise take on Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev

He’s done it for 16-0 win-to-lose stats in MMA, and joined the exclusive 8-0 Starter club in UFC. Now, Ilia Topuria is saying the 145-pound cut is too strenuous of a hydration. He has made no secret of wanting to face the 155-pound champ. Now he can make a legit move for it.

Another name approves Ilia Topuria's immediate title crack against Islam Makhachev
Another name approves Ilia Topuria’s immediate title crack against Islam Makhachev (Source: X)

Ilia Topuria has also had nations rallying behind him and is quite a draw. That does not mean he gets a hall pass for the lightweight undisputed gold vs. Islam Makhachev right off the bat. Beneil Dariush, though, approves of such a lightweight title shot.

You can’t really disagree with it, …Because he became champion, he defended his belt, and he’s just like, ‘Hey, I’m too big. I don’t want to make this weight cut anymore, so I want to fight ’55.’ …So, if Arman’s not getting the title shot, Charles Oliveira – I understand he’s supposed to be the No. 1 contender, but I would say Ilia’s credentials are better at this moment. He’s riding quite the win streak

Beneil Dariush to MMAJunkie’s Farah Hannoun
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The Spniard has no recent ballot appearances at lightweight. His last crack was a second-round blowout of Jai Herbert at UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Aspinall (2022). A recent one that counts is the knockout of UFC 308 PPV challenger Max Holloway, who had a wholesome 155-pound hydration right before.

More surprisingly, Ilia Topuria has been on the smaller side of things; he even fought at bantamweight. However, Dariush does not see anyone toppling his worth or star power for a title crack. Arman Tsarukyan remains the only 155-pound seed, but even he’s back to the drawing board. Oliveira has the promise of top-seed treatment, but he has already lost to Islam Makhachev.

Justin Gaethje remains the only other fresh option. Dairush thinks this time it will be different. The war with Volk was a rush and clash for the pound-for-pound champion slot. While reluctant to fight another 145-pounder, he thinks Topuria has the galls to make it as a true lightweight.

Related: Ilia Topuria gets Dustin Poirier co-sign for dream fight despite Islam Makhachev rejection