Ilia Topuria Taunts Islam Makhachev as Dagestani’s Fate Depends on UFC 315 Outcome

With UFC 315 and talks of vacating gold looming hard, UFC champ Islam Makhachev gets staunch reminder of it all from rival Ilia Topuria.

Ilia Topuria Taunts Islam Makhachev as Dagestani’s Fate Depends on UFC 315 Outcome

Ilia Topuria pokes Islam Makhachev before the weekend's UFC 315 PPV card (Source: IMAGO/X)

Tonight’s PPV card at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada (May 10) is a few hours out. But what does the longtime reigning lightweight king have to do with the UFC 315 PPV card tonight? Well, UFC 155-pound Islam Makhachev has been gunning for a second belt for a while, and 170 pounds is the spot to go. With the welterweight crown being under the scope tonight, so are Makhachev’s dreams, something that rival Ilia Topuria has sturdily reminded him of.

Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev is eyeing a shot at the welterweight title, depending on what happens at UFC 315 on Saturday. He has said that he won’t fight current 170-pound king Belal Muhammad, even under duress or friction. Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria is entering the lightweight fold and has touted that he’d wait for a title shot or a top contender matchup. Hence, the Spaniard took to poke the Dagestani on it, before the weekend:

Happy Saturday @MAKHACHEVMMA

Ilia Topuria via X (@Topuriailia)

Makhachev will almost certainly have to fight on both flanks. If Muhammad wins, which the oddsmakers predict will happen at about 2-1, Makhachev likely stays at lightweight. DraftKings Sportsbooks propped the champ early on the money line as a moderate -205 favorite to keep his gold. An upset by Jack Della Maddalena, however, could send Khabib Nurmagomedov’s prize pupil north, scouting a welterweight challenge – and possibly upend the lightweight title picture.

Enter Ilia Topuria as the feisty trash-talker, confident and crisp athlete, and a big PPV draw since last year with a one-of-one title reign. Topuria ran through two former champs and a former Pound-for-pound king. One way or the other, an Ilia Topuria matchup could be the saving grace in the convoluted lightweight section. The fighter himself is aiming, and hoping that it occurs against Makhachev; a good thing too, since the Dagestani has his own designs on it.

UFC champ Islam Makhachev says he won’t give up lightweight strap even if he moves to 170

Depending on UFC 315 PPV, Islam Makhachev is awaiting to realize his dreams at welterweight. He has had barrages and PPV title fight challenges along the way from fighters looking to realize their own set of dreams.

Islam Makhachev on a hard pass to give up his first gold
Islam Makhachev on a hard pass to give up his first gold (Source: X)

When Ilia Topuria recently relinquished his 145-pound hardware for a lightweight dream, many felt surprised, as he had stupendous, jaw-dropping momentum at featherweight. Similarly, Islam Makhachev has had his share in the 155-pound ranks. With a 15-fight streak and a historic number of PPV title defenses, the promotion’s Pound-for-pound topper made his case.

Seemingly, Makhachev has realized that quite well. No matter where the title falls after this weekend, the lightweight champ is unwilling to give up his own title.

This Saturdays main event will define what’s my next move is. But regardless of outcome that fight, I’m not going to vacate my lightweight title! We might get real contender there!

Islam Makhachev via X (@MAKHACHEVMMA)

Team Makhachev is keeping the 155-pound machinery going. They have accordingly teased Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje among those deserving a title shot. Charles Oliveira also has had his promise for a 155-pound top seed treatment and a rematch.

On the flip side, even though a big hit, names like Topuria are what the champ has avoided. Topuria would mark the nth former/current featherweight in active UFC competition that Makhachev would have faced.

Hence comes the stalling of a lightweight PPV title super-fight and talks of a shift up. However, despite reluctance, both fighters have reportedly entered camp at the same time. Where the lightweight gold follows from here is anybody’s guess.

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