Islam Makhachev, Ilia Topuria, Islam Makhachev UFC ultimatum [Image Source: IMAGES]
Islam Makhachev has expressed doubts about Ilia Topuria’s achievements at lightweight, indicating that Topuria has yet to prove himself enough to secure a bout at welterweight. Speaking recently, Makhachev made clear he has no intention of dropping back down to the 155-pound division to face Topuria, who currently competes at welterweight.
Topuria’s rise in the UFC has been rapid and impressive. After winning the featherweight title in 2024 by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski, he successfully defended that title against Max Holloway. Topuria then moved up to lightweight, where he secured a decisive victory over Charles Oliveira to claim that division’s championship as well. Despite these accomplishments, Makhachev believes Topuria has more to accomplish before earning a fight at welterweight.
Makhachev, the reigning UFC welterweight champion who took the belt from Jack Della Maddalena, insists that Topuria must first clear out the lightweight division, where he still faces significant challenges.
Makhachev’s Conditions for Accepting a Fight with Topuria
In an interview with MatchTV conducted in Russian, Makhachev addressed the speculation around whether he would move back down in weight to meet Topuria. He stated firmly,
“For what? I had the belt at lightweight, no one beat me there. For a belt? That’s not interesting to me,”
indicating his lack of motivation to return to lightweight.
He then laid out a clear condition for any potential fight with Topuria at welterweight:
Image of: Islam Makhachev
“If [Ilia] wants to move up, then welcome. He can [move up] because he has nothing to lose by moving up.”
Makhachev elaborated on the stakes for Topuria, noting,
“If he loses, he goes back down to lightweight and that’s it. He’ll defend his belt there. I’ve already been the lightweight champion, and I’m definitely not going back down.”
Topuria Faces Pressure to Prove Himself at Lightweight
Despite Topuria’s win over Oliveira, Makhachev suggests that the younger fighter has more hurdles to clear before deserving a high-profile bout at welterweight. He highlighted ongoing challenges that Topuria faces in the lightweight division, including calls for fights from contenders like Arman Tsarukyan.
Makhachev remarked,
“He hasn’t proven anything in lightweight yet,”
pointing out the work Topuria still needs to do.
“He’s got a lot of work to do there. Arman Tsarukyan is calling him out everyday, asking to fight.”
Meanwhile, Topuria’s path may become more difficult depending on the outcome of UFC 324, where Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje will battle, potentially adding another contender Topuria must overcome before moving up.
Makhachev’s Welterweight Options and Future Prospects
Makhachev also has ample challengers within his current division. Fighters like Shavkat Rakmonov and Michael Morales are among those ready to test the champion’s reign. Additionally, a potential clash with former champion Kamaru Usman could present an intriguing contest, pitting the past titleholder against the current belt holder.
While focus remains on rankings and possible matchups, the UFC landscape continues to shift, with fighters jostling for position and championship opportunities. For Makhachev, maintaining his welterweight status and defending his belt against worthy opponents remains the priority over revisiting the lightweight division or hastily agreeing to a fight with Topuria.
