Regardless of his pair of wins over featherweight competitors prior to now, Islam Makhachev has downplayed the prospect of him taking over present divisional titleholder, Ilia Topuria sooner or later — questioning what a victory over a 145lbs expertise would “show.
Makhachev, the present undisputed light-weight champion and pound-for-pound primary ranked fighter on the UFC’s books, is anticipated to make his return as quickly as subsequent month within the headliner of UFC 311 in Los Angeles.
But to obtain a bout settlement to tackle surging contender and former-foe, Arman Tsarukyan on the first flagship card of the brand new 12 months, Islam Makhachev is broadly anticipated to tackle the Armenian in his fourth tried title protection, nonetheless.
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Sidelined for the reason that starting of June, Russian champion, Makhachev most not too long ago turned in an eventual fifth spherical win over former interim titleholder, Dustin Poirier — stopping the Lafayette native with a D’Arce choke of their UFC 302 grudge battle.
Islam Makhachev uncertain on title battle with Ilia Topuria
And taking part in up a possible tremendous battle with unbeaten featherweight champion, Topuria — significantly following his gorgeous knockout win over Max Holloway again in October, Makhachev has now questioned what a win over the Georgian-Spaniard would show.
“We will definitely have some kind of conversation,” Islam Makhachev mentioned throughout an interview with Match TV. “He (Ilia Topuria) always talks about me. He in all probability needs to inform me one thing. I don’t perceive what he needs to inform me. Let’s step exterior and discuss. He needs to battle? We’ll battle if we have to.
“In terms of my fighting career, I’m not interested in fighting Topuria at all. He’s in a different weight class. I’ll beat him, and what will that do for me? I won’t win another belt. Everyone will once again say that I beat a featherweight. That’s it. But if people really want to see him lose, then we can do it.”
