Ilia Topuria wants to fight UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev this year. While Topuria has to meet Justin Gaethje in a lightweight title unification bout soon, he says he is also game to fight Makhachev or Arman Tsarukyan next.
During a recent interview with Adin Ross, “El Matador” said that he wants to fight the Dagestani wrestling maestro at 170 pounds, dethrone him, and capture a third UFC title, or the two could fight for a custom “pound-for-pound” belt.
Makhachev, who moved up to welterweight last year and captured the throne at UFC 322, not only became a two-division champ after that win but also took away Topuria’s P4P throne, and now “El Matador” wants it back. He told Ross:
That’s what I want too. [To fight Islam Makhachev this year] A perfect scenario for me would be fighting him at welterweight; that way, I’m able to collect my third belt. Another great scenario would be to fight between 155 and 170 and create a new belt, why not call it the pound for pound… Whoever wins is the best.”
Islam Makhachev, however, has business to attend to at 170 pounds and is expected to make the first defense of his title post-Ramadan against Ian Machado Garry.
Although Makhachev and Topuria wanted to throw down at the White House, the chances of this super fight happening on June 14 are bleak, as per the 34-year-old. Makhachev previously told Ushatayka:
I think [ Me vs Topuria ] definitely won’t happen in the white house, because he already has an opponent. UFC in this fight is not interested yet.”
Check out Islam Makhachev’s comments below:
Ilia Topuria Says Size Won’t Matter vs. Islam Makhachev
Ilia Topuria believes that no matter whether he faces Islam Makhachev at welterweight or lightweight, it won’t be a problem, as he plans to approach the bout like a street fight.
During the sitdown with Adin Ross, Topuria opined that he considers himself the best fighter in the world, is confident he can dethrone Makhachev, and weight classes don’t really matter.
It’s like in the street. I would not care about his weight.”
Check out Ilia Topuria’s comments below:
