- Michael Bisping thinks Khabib Nurmagomedov should consider letting Islam Makhachev fight Ilia Topuria
- “The Count” insists that “El Matador” is not like Alexander Volkanovski
Michael Bisping is not in favor of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s dismissal of Ilia Topuria’s chances of facing Islam Makhachev in a super fight.
Ilia is no Volk
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, “The Count” pointed out that while he understands why Makhachev’s coach is not interested in having another Alexander Volkanovski type of match, they need to realize that “El Matador” is different from Volkanovski.
Moreover, Bisping mentioned that Nurmagomedov should also take this into account and allow Makhachev to face the reigning featherweight champion.
“The coach of Islam Makhachev, he doesn’t think that Topuria deserves a shot. He said, ‘Without fighting anybody at 155 because Islam already gave a chance to people like that.’ He’s talking about Volkanovski, right?,” Bisping said.
“So Khabib Nurmagomedov came out and he said that he doesn’t think Topuria deserves the chance, not without proving himself first at 155—talking about Volkanovski. However, this is a different scenario. Topuria has moved up, okay. He’s abandoned 145, he’s up to 155 and I think he deserves a title fight. Simple as that,” he added.
Islam thinks Ilia can’t make weight
Makhachev has already defended his lightweight belt four consecutive times. He recently tapped Renato Moicano at UFC 311. The champ is planning to move up to welterweight which explains why he doesn’t see Topuria’s challenge enticing.
Another reason why Makhachev doubts a fight with “El Matador” would be a good idea is the featherweight champion’s weight. Islam thinks Topuria is “fat” and wouldn’t be able to make weight for 155. Nevertheless, a super fight between the two current champions is still one of the most talked-about matchups in the UFC.
Watch Bispings’s full video below:
