Ilia Topuria Seeks Lightweight Title Shot Against Islam Makhachev

Ilia Topuria, after vacating his featherweight title, has set his sights on the UFC lightweight championship, insisting he will only return for a title fight against current champion Islam Makhachev. Topuria, who recently expressed respect and happiness for former rival Alexander Volkanovski's featherweight title win, emphasized he was promised a lightweight title shot by the UFC and would sit out until he receives it. There is debate within the MMA community about whether Topuria deserves the immediate title opportunity, with some, including Beneil Dariush, noting Makhachev's reluctance to face another recent featherweight mover after two bouts with Volkanovski. Khabib Nurmagomedov suggested that Arman Tsarukyan may be a more competitive opponent for Makhachev, and indicated that Makhachev is also considering moving up to welterweight depending on other contenders' results. Topuria remains confident in his ability to defeat Makhachev, even suggesting he could submit the Dagestani champion. The situation reflects a complex mix of sportsmanship, ambition, and matchmaking dilemmas at the top of the UFC's lightweight and featherweight divisions.