The reigning UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has declined the offer to face Ilia Topuria in a much-anticipated super bout.
The entire trajectory of the 155-division altered when Ilia Topuria vacated his featherweight title after knocking out two of the greatest 145ers Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.
Topuria is undefeated and holds an impressive record of 16 wins with no losses in his professional career. There’s been a buzz around the internet regarding the fight between Ilia Topuria and Makhachev for the title.
There were some reports that both parties had agreed to sign the contract and fans may see this bout this year.
However, according to TASS Sports, Islam Makhachev has declined the fight against Ilia Topuria.
He still feels before getting a title shot at 155, Topuria needs to prove himself fighting a top contender at the weight class.
“Islam has not agreed to this fight. He maintains the position that Topuria needs to earn a title shot [at 155],” per Makhachev’s team (via TASS Sport)
What’s next for Islam Makhachev if not Ilia Topuria
If not Ilia Topuria, what’s next for Islam, the Russian Champion defended his title on short notice early this year choked Renato Moicano, and retained his title unscathed.
Makhachev will be defending his title one more time this year, if not Topuria UFC could book the much-awaited rematch between Charles Oliveira and Islam.
Charles and Islam could draw massive PPV numbers and be profitable for the company, while Topuria could face someone from the top maybe Arman for the title contention on the same card.
That said the angle proposed above is speculative and it will be interesting if Dana White and UFC matchmakers manage to get fans to Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria this year for the UFC lightweight crown.
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