Islam Makhachev finds supporter in rival Arman Tsarukyan for rejecting Ilia Topuria super fight

Top UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan talks about Islam Makhachev not fighting Ilia Topuria next.

Islam Makhachev finds supporter in rival Arman Tsarukyan for rejecting Ilia Topuria super fight

Arman Tsarukyan shares his views on Islam Makhachev avoiding Ilia Topuria (via Imago)

Islam Makhachev is under heavy criticism after allegedly avoiding a fight against Ilia Topuria, who recently vacated his featherweight title for lightweight gold. Topuria’s bold move created chaos in the division, as he insisted on a title shot and rejected any non-title lightweight fights. Despite the backlash, Arman Tsarukyan supports Makhachev, believing champions deserve to face ranked contenders, not opportunistic super-fight callouts.

Tsarukyan missed his title shot against Makhachev due to an injury suffered just hours before UFC 311 started. Since that unfortunate moment, he’s been patiently waiting for another chance to prove himself and finally fight for the lightweight championship title. Tsarukyan was already turned down by Topuria once. In a recent interview, he addressed the situation directly, saying why Makhachev might be avoiding Topuria. 

Islam doesn’t want to fight him because if he wins him (Topuria), people gonna say ‘You again beat a 145-pound fighter and he’s not number one contender. 

Arman Tsarukyan via The Jaxxon Podcast 

Makhachev has already defended his lightweight belt twice against Alexander Volkanovski, proving dominance over a smaller featherweight champion twice. His mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov has also mentioned that fighting Topuria offers minimal reward, as it wouldn’t enhance his legacy. Experts like Daniel Cormier believe Nurmagomedov’s involvement is one of the biggest reasons for this fight not taking place. 

Tsarukyan also mentioned that Makhachev has already achieved a lot in the lightweight division. According to the Armenian, if the Dagestani beats him in the future, Makhachev can leave the division as the most successful lightweight ever. However, not fighting Topuria has attracted an array of criticism towards the pound-for-pound number one.

UFC champion mocks Islam Makhachev for avoiding Ilia Topuria 

Ilia Topuria is half Georgian and shares a great bond with none other than the bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili. Both fighters are on great terms and have shown incredible mutual respect towards each other in the last few years. ‘The Machine’ had also talked about potentially moving up so that Topuria’s elder brother, Alexandre, can become a bantamweight champion. 

Merab Dvalishvili wants Islam Makhachev to fight Ilia Topuria
Merab Dvalishvili wants Islam Makhachev to fight Ilia Topuria (via X)

Due to their relationship, Dvalishvili has tried his best to force Islam Makhachev to fight Topuria for the lightweight title. The champion believes he gave Makhachev’s teammate, Umar Nurmagomedov a chance, and the pound-for-pound ace should do the same. In a recent interview, Dvalishvili shut down Makhachev’s reasons not to fight Topuria next. 

Islam’s saying ‘oh I don’t want to fight small guys’, what small? Ilia’s the f***ing biggest name.

Merab Dvalishvili via Jake Shields’ YouTube channel 

Makhachev and Topuria are elite, well-rounded fighters whose clash promises high-level action fueled by real competitive tension. Their escalating bad blood and verbal exchanges have only intensified the interest, making the potential showdown even more electrifying and marketable globally. Fans are currently divided, with one side backing Makhachev’s dominance and others captivated by Topuria’s unbeaten rise and confidence.

Who does Islam Makhachev want to fight?

Islam Makhachev has expressed interest in moving up to welterweight to further cement his legacy as champion before retirement. One intriguing name he mentioned is Jack Della Maddalena, whose striking prowess and rising reputation make him a compelling potential opponent. Makhachev has talked about waiting for UFC 315 and seeing if JDM beats the champion Belal Muhammad. 

Islam Makhachev's ultimate dream plan
Islam Makhachev’s ultimate dream plan (via X)

Aside from moving up, Makhachev also showed interest in fighting Justin Gaethje, a dangerous lightweight veteran with an exciting, fan-favorite fighting style. He views Gaethje as a deserving contender, way more than Ilia Topuria. But given Gaethje’s past losses and current form, many don’t think he will bring any challenges to the champion.