Khabib Nurmagomedov Reveals Why Ilia Topuria Super Fight at 155 Pounds is Not Possible

Khabib Nurmagomedov urges Islam Makhachev to remain at welterweight, advising against a weight cut for a potential superfight with Ilia Topuria.

Khabib Nurmagomedov Reveals Why Ilia Topuria Super Fight at 155 Pounds is Not Possible

Khabib Nurmagomedov refutes any llia Topuria fight at lightweight for Islam Makhachev (via BBC, The Playoffs)

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Weight cutting plays a significant role in shaping a fighter’s career, often pushing their bodies to the limit. As athletes age, these drastic cuts become harder to manage and risk long-term damage. Wanting to protect Islam Makhachev from that toll, Khabib Nurmagomedov reportedly prefers him to stay at welterweight instead of cutting back down to lightweight for a potential bout with Ilia Topuria.

The Dagestani is preparing for his 170lbs debut against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 after vacating his 155lbs title earlier this year. His decision opened the door for Topuria, who went on to win the belt by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. The move to the 170-pound division also allowed Makhachev to chase two-division success and avoid draining cuts.

In recent weeks, Makhachev’s physical transformation has been striking. Training footage shows him looking far more muscular and solid at 170 pounds, appearing almost unrecognizable from his lightweight days. The added size supports Nurmagomedov’s belief that a permanent shift to welterweight could extend Makhachev’s prime and improve his overall durability.

I want Islam to stay at welterweight because he just turned 34. It’s not easy to be in one weight class all your life. He’s preparing for the welterweight title, he’s looking good, he’s in shape, and we hope he’s going to make big history.

Khabib Nurmagomedov via X

‘The Eagle’ has been instrumental in Makhachev’s rise from the early Dagestan training sessions to global dominance. Even in retirement, the UFC Hall of Famer continues to guide his longtime teammate with the same passion that defined his own career.

Outside the cage, Makhachev’s rivalry with Topuria continues to grow. The two have traded sharp exchanges online, with Makhachev promising to dismantle him. While Topuria has teased a future move to welterweight for a bout at the White House card, the demands of the division, its size, and power could prove overwhelming in such a matchup.

Many from the MMA community have also warned ‘El Matador’ to reconsider his 170lbs plans. Nurmagomedov’s return to Makhachev’s corner for UFC 322 marks another significant moment for Team Dagestan. With Makhachev now stepping into his first welterweight test, the pair aim to extend their legacy with another world title.

Khabib Nurmagomedov gets candid about his father’s death

The passing of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov in July 2020 came at a time when Khabib Nurmagomedov was poised to continue his dominant run in MMA. The elder Nurmagomedov had served as his son’s coach, guiding him from Dagestan to the top of the sport. His death from complications due to COVID-19 created a seismic shift in his career plans.

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov (via ESPN)

Despite being just 32 years old at the time of his retirement, Nurmagomedov carried the lightweight title into his final bout at UFC 254, defeating Justin Gaethje and then stepping away from competition. He has since acknowledged that his father’s passing and the emotional burden tied to it were primary factors in cutting his active fighting career short.

It was not only mother, it was all situation that happened, everything coming together. I saw a lot of rumors why I retired, because of that, because of this, and I think if my father still alive, he would make me fight a little bit longer, because I just turned 32 when I finished. But he passed away and it was a very honest and good conversation with my mother. It’s hard to explain. Everything happened so fast. 

Khabib Nurmagomedov via X

The Dagestani’s transition from fighter to full-time mentor has since become one of the most defining parts of his legacy. Following his father’s philosophy, he has dedicated himself to developing young talent under the guidance of the American Kickboxing Academy and in Dagestan. His focus on discipline, humility, and family values continues to shape the next generation of fighters.

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