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Ilia Topuria, the undefeated fighter rising through the ranks of the UFC, has set his sights on Islam Makhachev’s lightweight title. While Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, recently argued that Arman Tsarukyan deserves the next title shot, Topuria isn’t backing down from a potential superfight.
Khabib Nurmagomedov Weighs In
In a recent interview, Khabib expressed Arman Tsarukyan as his favorite to challenge Islam Makhachev over Topuria. This, according to Khabib, is because Topuria has most recently made the jump to lightweight after vacating the featherweight title. Khabib, however, would like to see Topuria win another fight first within the division before being considered for a title shot.
Topuria, for his part, fired back without reservation. The undefeated fighter took to social media, proclaiming that Khabib was speaking out of concern for Makhachev's well-being. "Khabib knows I’m the one to take the belt from Islam," Topuria wrote. "The only reason he doesn’t want Islam to fight me."
Topuria's Momentum and UFC Career
Topuria's call for a title fight has much substance based on the momentum he generated in the UFC. After going 6-0 in his UFC career including a remarkable lightweight debut scar against Jai Herbert, Topuria rose to the apex of the lightweight division. He became the first fighter to hand Alexander Volkanovski a loss in a 145-pound contest, knocking out the champion at UFC 298, then followed with a stunning knockout of Max Holloway at UFC 308, becoming the first fighter ever to finish Holloway via strikes.
Those victories have made Topuria a true contender, which is a sentiment echoed by both fans and analysts alike who feel he truly deserves a shot at the title. With Tsarukyan missing out on his title opportunity against Makhachev earlier this year, Topuria could easily jump over him for the next title shot.
Missed Opportunity for Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev's Future Plans
Tsarukyan was expected to challenge Makhachev, considering his impressive sequel to his debut loss against the champion in 2019; however, Tsarukyan will be kept off the shelf for now due to a back injury, which caused him to withdraw from UFC 311. UFC president Dana White made clear that Tsarukyan would have to fight to regain a title shot after missing out on this opportunity.
The outcome of UFC 315 has potential implications for Makhachev's future because Belal Muhammad, the welterweight champion, will be facing Jack Della Maddalena in the main event. Makhachev has often spoken of moving up to welterweight in pursuit of a second title; however, close ties to Muhammad have barred him from that venture for the moment.
Potential Future Matchups for Makhachev and Topuria
Should Della Maddalena dethrone Muhammad, that could set into motion Makhachev's potential pursuit of the welterweight title and set Topuria loose for a lightweight shot. That great match would put one high in contention for either a vacant or an interim lightweight title.
Amongst this volatile landscape of the UFC, one thing is certain: Topuria is all in on his chance toward the lightweight crown and is set to prove his claim to being one of the best in the division. With Makhachev or another top contender, he might be on the verge of getting that opportunity.
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