New Delhi: The anticipation over UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev’s potential fight with undefeated UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has turned out to be a frenzy environment among fans. Reports have suggested that UFC CEO Dana White is set to announce an eye-watering clash soon.
The 33-year-old Makhachev defeated Renato Moicano, who turned up for the fight on a short notice of a day prior after Arman Tsarukyan following his injury. The exceptional performance didn’t went unnoticed with White reckoning the Russian as the Pound-for-Pound fighter.
This puts Makhachev’s to 15 fights in a row, which includes him lifting the lightweight belt four times. There have been speculations that the UFC lightweight champion could next face Ilia Topuria after starting the calendar year at the UFC 311. This is something that has kept many fans on their edge of their seats.
Makhachev’s say on potential fight with Topuria
In a latest interview with Match TV, the Dagestani fighter said that he will be looking upon the options from the UFC to explore as he believes it isn’t appropriate time for his fight with Topuria.
“I can’t announce it yet, but there is an offer that we need to sit down with the team and think about, because there are options. We need to decide together what to do…There is an option in my weight class, and there is an offer from the UFC. But let’s wait for now,” Makhachev said.
Makhachev wants Topuria to either move up his weight to welterweight (155lbs) or bag more title defense in his own weight category of featherweight. The idea is to make him more competitive by facing more of the division’s top fighters.
“So let him move up, and when he earns his chances, we will definitely fight,” said Makhachev.
While speaking on the Full Send Podcast, Topuria said that his intention to fight Makhachev was more of a competitive reason where he can challenge the best in the business.
“I don’t like to be a bully and fight with people that I know 100% that I’m gonna whoop his a–. I like to fight with people that the fans think that it’s gonna be very competitive… With Islam, I’m gonna have that,” the Georgian-Spaniard said.
Islam Makhachev’s potential fight with Ilia Topuria is generating immense buzz. Makhachev, the UFC lightweight champion, is considering other options before facing Topuria, suggesting Topuria needs more title defenses or a weight class move. Topuria, however, views the matchup as a competitive challenge. UFC Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
