Despite Team Khabib’s conditions for Ilia Topuria, head coach makes promise for Islam Makhachev 

Islam Makhachev's coach Javier Mendez believes the champion will be ready to defend his title against Ilia Topuria.

Despite Team Khabib’s conditions for Ilia Topuria, head coach makes promise for Islam Makhachev 

Islam Makhachev will definitely fight Ilia Topuria as asked by UFC (via X/Imago)

UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has officially vacated his title to move up to the lightweight division. His initial goal was to challenge Islam Makhachev for the 155-pound belt and become a double champion. And now, instead of working his way up the rankings, Topuria may find himself getting a massive boost. 

Islam Makhachev, who already fought Alexander Volkanovski twice, has no interest in fighting a featherweight champion again. In a recent interview, the pound-for-pound ace declared that Topuria will have to earn his spot as a top contender. Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez on the other hand, has revealed that Topuria might get an immediate title shot. 

YouTube video

He’s not gonna say no [to Ilia]. If that’s who they offer, if that’s who’s on the table for Islam, that’s what Islam’s gonna do. That’s just the way he is, he’s a true warrior…We’re champion, we’re #1 for a reason. We’re not supposed to reject any person they throw in front of you.

Javier Mendez via The Submission Radio 

Makhachev and Team Khabib have always been consistent with this mindset of fighting anybody, irrespective of anything. In his last fight at UFC 311, the Dagestani had to fight a last-minute replacement after his original opponent got injured. However, that didn’t change anything as the champion maintained the same level of ferocity. 

FS Video

Makhachev himself is more interested in moving up and getting his hands on the second UFC belt. Besides the much obvious welterweight move, Mendez also believes Makhachev can take on the middleweight champion. But before that, according to many fans, Ilia Topuria might be a bigger threat to the championship. 

RELATED
Michael Bisping on how Ilia Topuria could be catalyst for an Islam Makhachev super-fight: “Antagonization I love”
Michael Bisping has faith Ilia Topuria will finally get dream super-fight vs. Islam Makhachev

UFC veteran reviews Ilia Topuria’s move to the lightweight division 

Due to weight-cutting complications, Ilia Topuria decided to vacate the featherweight division. CEO Dana White has announced that Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes will now fight for the vacant title at UFC 314. On the other hand, Topuria might have to fight top lightweights in the meantime. 

UFC veteran talks about Ilia Topuria's lightweight move
UFC veteran talks about Ilia Topuria’s lightweight move (via X)

Former champ Daniel Cormier recently talked about the situation on his YouTube channel in detail. DC didn’t like Topuria’s decision to fully vacate the title as he might not have an immediate lightweight title fight. He went on to explain the potential path the fighter might take for the title.

I’m not talking from any knowledge, I believe it’s Charles Oliveira…You match up Topuria and Oliveira, they fight relatively soon, Islam is in Ramadan…You make them fight with the guarantee that one of these guys get a title fight.

Daniel Cormier said via his YouTube channel 
RELATED
“Never beating Islam” – Fans explode as Dana White reveals Ilia Topuria’s major sacrifice to pursue 155-pound championship goal
Dana White shares the news about Ilia Topuria moving up to the lightweight division

For Topuria, former champion Charles Oliveira could be a great fight to establish his dominance in the division. Apart from the Brazilian, ‘El Matador’ has also talked about potentially fighting the legendary Dustin Poirier. Nevertheless, with Topuria’s debut the lightweight division has become much more entertaining than before.