Top UFC Lightweight Ilia Topuria Faces Rivalry, Title Challenges

Ilia Topuria, the undefeated UFC lightweight champion, has rapidly gained recognition for his exceptional skills, but faces criticism and challenges from several fighters and experts. Brendan Schaub has boldly claimed he could knock Topuria out, comparing the potential finish to Francis Ngannou's brutal uppercut knockout of Alistair Overeem. Meanwhile, UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov identifies Arman Tsarukyan as Topuria's biggest threat, praising Tsarukyan's evolved striking and wrestling abilities and doubting Topuria's chances against him. Topuria appears reluctant to fight Tsarukyan, even suggesting he would rather vacate his title than face him, while Tsarukyan continues to campaign aggressively for a title shot. Former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who recently vacated his title to move up to welterweight, has expressed interest in a superfight with Topuria but acknowledges the challenges related to weight and timing. The lightweight division remains highly dynamic, with contenders like Tsarukyan pushing for opportunities and Topuria defending his status amid controversy and speculation about future matchups.