Topuria Demands Title Shot Amid UFC Lightweight Turmoil

Ilia Topuria, after vacating his featherweight title, claims UFC officials promised him an immediate lightweight title shot against Islam Makhachev, but faces resistance from Khabib Nurmagomedov, who favors Arman Tsarukyan as the next contender. Khabib’s opposition has led to public backlash from Topuria, who accuses him of protecting Makhachev out of fear of losing the championship. Makhachev himself appears uninterested in the bout with Topuria and is reportedly considering moving up to welterweight. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan alleges Makhachev wants to avoid Topuria to protect his legacy, but will need to fight his way back to a title shot after withdrawing from a recent bout due to injury. The situation remains unresolved, with Topuria insisting he will wait as long as necessary for his opportunity. The developments underscore Khabib’s influence in UFC matchmaking and the intensifying rivalry between Topuria and Makhachev’s camp.