Ilia Topuria offered two lightweight stars after Islam Makhachev’s condition for title fight 

UFC superstar Ilia Topuria gets two lightweight challenges before potentially fighting Islam Makhachev for the title.

Ilia Topuria offered two lightweight stars after Islam Makhachev’s condition for title fight 

Ilia Topuria gets a call-out from Paddy Pimblett and Dustin Poirier before fighting Islam Makhachev (via Imago)

Ilia Topuria is undoubtedly one of the biggest stars on the current UFC roster. The fighter who already dominated some of the biggest names in the featherweight division is aiming for the double champion status. However, before fighting Islam Makhachev, the featherweight champion might have to go through some tough challenges in the lightweight division. 

Islam Makhachev has made it clear that he isn’t going to give a direct title shot to Topuria. Given the circumstances, the Georgian-Spanish fighter had shared his intentions to fight Dustin Poirier first, while crediting the ‘Diamond.’ It seems like the former interim champion appreciates the respect and has also shown a similar interest.

A warrior knows one when he sees one, nothing but respect.

Dustin Poirier via X
YouTube video

While Poirier has talked about only fighting a UFC legend for his last battle, it won’t be surprising to see him make an exception for Ilia Topuria. Apart from that, the featherweight champion has already had an ongoing beef with rising lightweight Paddy Pimblett. In the latest interview, the Scouser shared his intentions to welcome Topuria with a lightweight battle and settle the dispute. 

Ilia is a midget. People don’t understand how much bigger I am than Ilia. If he wants to move up to Lightweight, I’m here waiting. I’ll be there to welcome him

Paddy Pimblett via eldoberdanMMA

On paper, both Pimblett and Poirier are great fights for Topuria to make his lightweight debut. However, going against a legend like Poirier can definitely give the fighter more credibility. It would be interesting to see how things turn out in the future.

UFC legend supports Ilia Topuria’s path to the lightweight championship 

Ilia Topuria‘s rise to the top of the UFC food chain has been inspiring. The fighter has yet to experience a loss, but that doesn’t stop him from taking risks. In his last fight against Max Holloway, he was ready to stand and bang in the first seconds of the fight. The champion is highly confident and has always done what he has said before the fight. 

Ilia Topuria needs to beat top lightweights before fighting Islam Makhachev
Ilia Topuria needs to beat top lightweights before fighting Islam Makhachev (via X)

Topuria is a knockout master and has the ability to knock out anybody he wants inside the octagon. On top of that, the Georgian-Spanish fighter has incredible grappling which makes him a serious threat. UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov is well aware of this and has talked about him fighting Makhachev but with a condition. 

I think if he move up and he beats someone like Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira? His next. Because Islam already give chance to (Alexander Volkanovski).

Khabib Nurmagomedov via Pound 4 Pound Podcast 
YouTube video

Makhachev is the current pound-for-pound king and has shown exponential growth over the last few years. With every fight, he has shown his striking prowess as well as wrestling dominance. Many fans believe that Topuria might be the only one who has the skill set to beat Makhachev.

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