UFC legend supports Islam Makhachev worrying for legacy over Ilia Topuria super fight

The ongoing discussions about a potential match between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria have garnered significant attention.

UFC legend supports Islam Makhachev worrying for legacy over Ilia Topuria super fight

Islam Makhachev has consistently dismissed the possibility of fighting Ilia Topuria (Image via Imago)

Dagestani MMA fighter Islam Makhachev currently reigns as the UFC lightweight champion and the #1 pound-for-pound fighter. Despite his impressive career, Makhachev aims to enhance his legacy further. Consequently, the Dagestani fighter intends to focus on more significant matchups rather than competing against challengers like Ilia Topuria.

Currently, UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria is eager to challenge Islam Makhachev for the opportunity to become a double champion. However, the lightweight champion has consistently dismissed Topuria’s requests for a fight, citing various reasons. Notably, former UFC fighter Matt Brown agrees that Makhachev is justified in avoiding a matchup with Topuria.

If I’m Islam, I don’t take that fight. I don’t try to make that fight happen. I totally agree with what he said. ‘I don’t need to fight another blown up 145-pounder’… He already did that, too [with the Alexander Volkanovski fights]… I think he’s got a great point there. What Ilia has done, I feel like he has earned to fight for a title in basically every division, too though, but I agree let him fight one and earn his way to the title.

Matt Brown on The Fighter vs. The Writer
YouTube video

The Dagestani fighter became the champion of his division after defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. Since then, Makhachev has defended his title on four occasions. Interestingly, two of these defenses were against former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. As Makhachev has already faced challengers from the 145-pound division, UFC legend Matt Brown is critical of a potential matchup.

FS Video

Interestingly, Makhachev is not completely dismissing the possibility of a fight between him and the UFC featherweight champion. However, for this matchup to happen, the UFC lightweight champion and his team want Topuria to earn the title shot by defeating a top-ranked contender. That said, the current situation in the UFC lightweight division is uncertain, so it remains to be seen what will happen.

Alexander Volkanovski discusses the potentiality of a fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria

Islam Makhachev is on an impressive winning streak, showcasing a series of dominating performances. In his latest fight, the UFC lightweight champion easily defeated Renato Moicano, who stepped in on short notice. Given his commanding displays in the 155 lbs division, Makhachev feels there are few challengers left for him. As a result, the Dagestani fighter is considering moving up to the 170 lbs division.

Islam Makhachev in action against Renato Moicano
Islam Makhachev in action against Renato Moicano (Image via Bleacher Report)

Welterweight champion Belal Muhammad is scheduled to defend his title for the first time at UFC 315. Although both Muhammad and Makhachev had previously dismissed the idea of a matchup between them, the UFC lightweight champion has recently expressed interest in it. Additionally, Alexander Volkanovski noted that Makhachev’s next fight will depend on the outcome of Muhammad’s next fight.

You’ve got the Belal situation… If Jack Della Maddalena wins that fight, Islam’s moving up. Let’s be real. Islam is moving up straight away. Is that what they’re waiting for? There’s a lot of moving parts right now.

Alexander Volkanovski via The Ariel Helwani Show

Since Makhachev and Muhammad have a strong bond and have trained together, they were both reluctant to discuss a potential matchup. However, if Jack Della Maddalena becomes the new UFC welterweight champion at UFC 313, no bond remains among JDM and Makhachev from competing for the welterweight title. It remains to be seen if Volk’s prediction come true.

Related: Islam Makhachev Net Worth, Endorsements, UFC contract, Wife and House