Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev are consistent in their view regarding who should be the next challenger for the lightweight title.
Earlier this year, Ilia Topuria, the featherweight champion, relinquished his 145-pound title and announced his move to the lightweight division, aiming for the 155-pound belt. This sparked immediate fan discussions about a potential superfight between Makhachev and Topuria. However, the lightweight champion has shown reluctance to grant a title shot to another champion from the 145-pound division, especially after already defending his title twice against Alexander Volkanovski. Despite growing public interest in a Makhachev vs. Topuria fight, Makhachev and his team remain steadfast in their opinion.
“In my opinion, and it`s not necessarily about being more dangerous but more competitive, Arman Tsarukyan is the tougher opponent,” Khabib Nurmagomedov stated in a recent interview with Adam Zubayraev. “I believe Arman poses a greater competitive challenge for Islam compared to Topuria. Topuria is a skilled fighter at 145 pounds, but we haven`t seen him compete at 155 pounds yet. Arman, I think, would be a more challenging fight for Islam.
“I’m not sure about the agreements between Topuria and the UFC, but from Islam’s perspective, he has already given two title opportunities to champions moving up from 145 pounds, and Islam won both times. A third time seems excessive. Imagine Topuria moves up, gets an immediate title shot, Islam defeats him, and then Topuria possibly loses again in the future. He would essentially become insignificant at 155 pounds. Islam would have defeated someone who was essentially unproven at 155 pounds. For Islam`s legacy and resume, I understand his concerns. That’s why Islam suggests Topuria should fight and prove himself as a genuine contender in the lightweight division.”
Makhachev was initially scheduled to defend his title against Tsarukyan as the main event of UFC 311 in January. However, Tsarukyan withdrew on the day of the weigh-ins, leading to Renato Moicano stepping in as a replacement with only 24 hours` notice. Makhachev won that fight by first-round submission and set a new record for lightweight title defenses in UFC history. Two of these defenses were against Alexander Volkanovski, the featherweight champion at the time, with the first fight taking place in Volkanovski`s home country of Australia. This context explains why Makhachev is less enthusiastic about facing another 145-pound champion immediately.
“Islam is willing to fight anyone,” Nurmagomedov clarified. “Islam himself has said he will fight any fighter. However, repeatedly giving Islam fights against 145-pound champions moving up to 155 – it has happened twice already, and a potential third time is being discussed. It`s time to consider Islam`s perspective too. He is the reigning champion, and he has already fought a 145-pound champion, even traveling to Australia to fight him in his home country. Therefore, our team believes Topuria is a respectable fighter and a champion who has defended his belt and defeated strong opponents. Looking at fighters who have moved up from 145 to 155, even Max Holloway, whom Topuria defeated, hasn`t achieved significant success at 155 pounds.
“Islam also has a limited timeframe in his career. He will turn 34 soon. Islam prefers to fight established, deserving contenders at 155 pounds rather than facing Topuria, Volkanovski, or short-notice replacements like Renato Moicano. It`s not personal, but if a fighter is moving up in weight, they need to earn their title shot within that division. That’s essentially our position.”
Interestingly, Topuria is not the only champion looking to move up in weight. Makhachev, currently considered the top pound-for-pound fighter, has also expressed interest in pursuing a second title, even considering a move to middleweight if necessary. However, with Belal Muhammad scheduled to challenge for the welterweight title against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 next month, Makhachev might not need to make such a drastic move.
“Islam wants to move up to 170 pounds, but fighting Belal is not an option because he is a close friend. We cannot prioritize titles over personal relationships. That’s not how we operate.
“If Maddalena were the champion, Islam would have already fought him. But from what I understand, the UFC is waiting for the event in May where Belal and Maddalena will fight. Personally, I hope Belal wins. I sincerely wish him success. However, if Maddalena wins, I believe the UFC might offer Islam a fight with Maddalena at 170 pounds.”
