Ilia Topuria, the former UFC featherweight champion, is pushing for a lightweight title shot against Islam Makhachev after vacating his 145-pound belt. On February 23, 2025, UFC CEO Dana White announced Topuria’s decision to move to 155 pounds due to tough weight cuts and a desire for new goals. Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s mentor, recently questioned the value of this matchup, prompting a sharp reply from Topuria.
Khabib, speaking to Adam Zubayraev, explained why Makhachev might not face Topuria.
“I don’t know what kind of agreements Topuria and the UFC had, but from Islam’s side, he already gave two title shots to 145-pound champions. Both times Islam won. Now a third time. Okay, let’s imagine Topuria moves up and gets a title shot right away. Islam beats him. Then Topuria fights again. He loses again. So basically he was a nobody at 155. Islam beat a nobody at 155. Because of that, in terms of legacy, for Islam, for his resume, I understand Islam’s risks,” Khabib said.
He argued that defeating Topuria, who lacks a lightweight resume, wouldn’t enhance Makhachev’s legacy and suggested a rematch with Arman Tsarukyan, whom Makhachev beat in 2019.
Khabib says Arman Tsarukyan is a tougher fight for Islam Makhachev than Ilia Topuria
He also explains why Islam doesn’t want to fight Ilia Topuria yet:
“Let’s imagine Topuria moves up and gets a title shot right away and Islam beats him. Then Topuria fights again, he loses… pic.twitter.com/vU0zWgVWvd
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 15, 2025
Topuria’s Bold Counter
Topuria responded with confidence.
“Khabib knows I’m the one to take the belt from Islam. Only reason he doesn’t want Islam to fight me,” he said.
Khabib knows I’m the one to take the belt from Islam. Only reason he doesn’t want Islam to fight me
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) April 16, 2025
The 16-0 fighter, known for knocking out Alexander Volkanovski in February 2024 and Max Holloway in October 2024, believes he can end Makhachev’s reign. Topuria has claimed he’d submit Makhachev with a D’Arce choke, Khabib’s signature move, adding a personal edge to his challenge. He has one lightweight fight, a 2022 knockout of Jai Herbert.
Makhachev, with a 27-1 record, has dominated lightweight since 2022, defending his title four times, including two wins over Volkanovski. Khabib’s focus on legacy highlights the risk of fighting another featherweight champion. Topuria’s perfect record and power at 145 pounds make him a compelling contender, though his limited 155-pound experience raises questions. The UFC must now decide whether Topuria earns an immediate title shot or faces another lightweight to prove his case. This exchange has set the stage for a potential blockbuster fight.
