Merab Dvalishvili recently shared his thoughts on the possibility of a superfight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, two top contenders in the lightweight division. Makhachev has expressed that Topuria would need to move up to welterweight to face him, but Topuria remains willing to fight Makhachev at lightweight, welterweight, or even at a catchweight to claim the pound-for-pound title.
Dvalishvili, who has been training with Topuria following his own title loss at UFC 323, spoke about Topuria’s chances of defeating Makhachev. After sparring extensively with the Georgian-Spanish fighter, Dvalishvili is convinced that Topuria’s skills and power could give him an edge, even if the fight moves up a weight class. In an interview with Setanta Sports, Dvalishvili stated:
“I’ve never felt that kind of power or that level of technique from anyone else. I have sparred with fighters two weight classes above, even three weight classes above. Whether it’s jiu-jitsu, wrestling, everything. That kind of uniqueness, the feeling I get with Ilia, I haven’t felt with anyone else. He has a very big chance against Islam Makhachev. I’ve become convinced of that once again now that I’ve returned from Spain. He has a really big chance. I would even give a higher percentage to Ilia, even if the fight takes place at welterweight.” ? Merab Dvalishvili, UFC fighter
Through this endorsement, Dvalishvili places significant confidence in Topuria’s ability to challenge Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion, even outside their usual weight class.
Paddy Pimblett Voices Frustration Over Topuria’s Inactivity
Meanwhile, fellow lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett has expressed impatience with Ilia Topuria’s absence from competition in early 2026. Pimblett, preparing to face Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 for the interim lightweight belt, has made it clear that if Topuria does not return to the octagon by mid-year, he believes the UFC should strip him of the title.
Pimblett is confident in his ability to defeat Gaethje within three rounds, aiming to become the interim champion and then unify the belt against Topuria. However, if Topuria remains sidelined, Pimblett intends to fight the number one contender, Arman Tsarukyan, whom he openly dislikes. In a candid interview with MMA Junkie, Pimblett said:
“It’s annoying me that people are saying to me, ‘You’re ducking Arman.’ I have never been offered to fight Arman. If I ever got offered to fight Arman, I would have punched his head in by now. He irritates me. I think he is an absolute helmet… If Ilia cannot come back by June or July, he needs to be stripped. He’s slowing the division down, and I will defend against Arman, Charles, or Max.” ? Paddy Pimblett, UFC lightweight contender
Pimblett’s public pressure adds tension to the lightweight division’s title picture, heightening anticipation for Topuria’s return and the future championship matchups.
Topuria’s Flexibility and Division Dynamics
Ilia Topuria has demonstrated a willingness to move across weight classes in pursuit of a title shot, offering to meet Makhachev at lightweight, welterweight, or catchweight. This openness reflects Topuria’s ambition to claim the pound-for-pound crown and highlights the competitive nature of the division.
The lightweight scene remains highly dynamic, with champions and contenders like Makhachev, Topuria, Pimblett, and Tsarukyan all jockeying for position. The UFC’s plans to have the UFC 324 winner face Topuria for a title unification later this year underscore the significance of these contenders’ movements.
Implications for the Lightweight Championship Landscape
Merab Dvalishvili’s support of Ilia Topuria’s ability to challenge Islam Makhachev, even at a higher weight class, adds fuel to speculation about a major superfight that could reshape the lightweight and welterweight rankings. Meanwhile, Paddy Pimblett’s insistence that Topuria either return soon or be stripped puts additional pressure on the champion’s camp and the UFC’s scheduling decisions.
These developments suggest an intense period ahead for the lightweight division, where fighters’ decisions on weight class and timing will strongly influence the championship hierarchy. Fans can expect crucial bouts later in 2026 that will determine the future of the lightweight title and possibly set the stage for cross-division super fights.
Merab thinks Ilia Topuria has a 'big chance' at beating Islam Makhachev, even at welterweight
"I've never felt that kind of power or that level of technique from anyone else… the feeling I get with Ilia, I haven't felt with anyone else.
He has a very big chance against Islam… pic.twitter.com/sAgaCmAwZU
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 16, 2026
