Joe Rogan’s dream fight in doubt as Islam Makhachev gives verdict on Ilia Topuria: “Let him earn”
Sorry, Joe Rogan, but UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is not super into another scrapper with another 145-pounder, Ilia Topuria.
Follow Us
Islam Makhachev not interested in a champ vs. champ super fight with Ilia Topuria (Source: X/IMAGO)
UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria had a one-of-a-kind 2024 season. With pure domination over two former Pound-for-pound toppers and 145 kings, Topuria is on a roll. He is now gunning for a tactical move up in a weight class. Islam Makhachev, though, isn’t interested. However, there’s no denying that this will be one heck of a super fight for any season.
The promotion’s current #1 Pound-for-pound fighter, Islam Makhachev, had a similar year. The longtime UFC 155-Pound champ made a historic fourth defense of the undisputed gold. Now, both are the biggest of draws, and a fight would be roof-tearing. A prime proponent of such a fight, as of recent, was play-by-play Joe Rogan. But the veteran podcaster mustn’t put his stock in this basket just yet; the Dagestani isn’t veering that way.
I’m not going to give him chance right away, …he didn’t do all the work — He had to do in his weight class. There are contenders who he must defeat, let him earn chance, and we will fight…
Islam Makhachev to Матч ТВ (@MatchTV)
Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) has no interest in defending his title against another 145-pounder in the near future. He recently submitted former featherweight Renato Moicano at UFC 311 in yet another title defense. However, Topuria’s dominance has many believing he can give him a run for his money.
🚨 Islam Makhachev says he does NOT want to fight Ilia Topuria right away
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) February 13, 2025
“I'm not going to give him a chance right away, he didn't do all the work he had to do in his weight class. There are contenders who he must defeat, let him earn a chance, and we will fight”
via @MatchTV pic.twitter.com/wNt11t7UMI
Makhachev’s third defense came in the shape of a fifth-round submission win vs. Dustin Poirier last June. Poirier is of the opinion that Topuria has the skills to beat Makhachev, but perhaps not the size. Even Michael Bisping thinks “El Matador” has the skill-to-skill equivalency to get it done and is a good fit for such a big match. Some others, though, much like Makhachev, believe the expectant rival has work left at 145.
Two top contenders set to clash in April to decide 145-pound champ Ilia Topuria’s next challenge
Ilia Topuria could have a mammoth task on his hands, with two of the featherweight division’s toughest competitors about to clash. Topuria has almost cleaned out the division, “almost” being the keyword. He has made one title defense after his maiden voyage atop the UFC 308 PPV card headliner.
Lerone Murphy and Josh Emmett will go toe-to-toe at APEX in the feature headliner of the UFC’s April 5 card. The match pits two formidable strikers against each other. The Englishman possesses an awe-inspiring skill-to-skill display. While the American touts earth-shattering power and a barrage of blows. The victor could potentially have bragging rights as a possible top seed, right after Alexander Volkanovski.
Murphy, who has compiled an impressive 15-0-1 stat, would love the opportunity to dance the ‘dance’ in the octagon with the Spaniard. Meanwhile, Emmett, who’s one of the few who took the 145-pound king to the deep end, would revel in it. Aussie legend Volk is a big draw; but one who’s 0-3 in his last few title scraps. So Emmett is ripe for a rematch as well. With Topuria unwilling, these two can spear ahead; especially Emmet, if he wins.
Related: Ilia Topuria Net Worth, UFC Contract, Endorsements, and House
Stay Updated!
Dibaas.M
(1405 Articles Published)