Ilia Topuria believes Islam Makhachev`s time in the lightweight division is limited, but not for the reasons one might expect.
UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has competed at 155lbs throughout his career, successfully defending his title four times against former featherweights Dustin Poirier, Renato Moicano, and Alexander Volkanovski, the current featherweight champion (twice).
Another featherweight eager to face Makhachev is Ilia Topuria, who vacated his featherweight title earlier this year with the promise of a lightweight title shot.
A Makhachev versus Topuria bout would be a significant superfight, but it appears there`s another superfight possibility on the horizon for Makhachev.
Joe Rogan Reveals Dana White`s Interest in Islam Makhachev vs. Belal Muhammad
During a conversation with UFC CEO Dana White, UFC commentator Joe Rogan inquired about upcoming fights.
“He was detailing the challenges they`re encountering with various fight arrangements,” Rogan mentioned to Topuria on his podcast.
“He specifically discussed the scenario if Belal [Muhammad] emerges victorious [in his next fight].”
Belal Muhammad currently holds the UFC Welterweight Champion title and is scheduled to defend it against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 on May 10th.
Makhachev has previously expressed interest in moving up to a higher weight class to contend for a second championship.
“Islam and Belal have been in discussions about a potential fight,” Rogan disclosed.
‘It’s Going to Happen’ … Ilia Topuria on Islam Makhachev Fighting for Welterweight Gold
Two main obstacles stand in the way of this potential matchup: Firstly, Muhammad has trained with Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov in the past. Secondly, there`s the possibility of an upset by Jack Della Maddalena.
Nevertheless, Ilia Topuria is confident that Makhachev and Muhammad would set aside their past training relationship for the sake of legacy.
“That fight is going to happen,” Topuria stated regarding Muhammad versus Makhachev.
“If [Muhammad] wins, they will definitely make the fight with Islam happen,” Topuria added.
“The issue with Islam fighting Belal is their shared training history,” Rogan pointed out.
Topuria doesn`t consider their past training to be an impediment.
“How often do we see fighters compete against former training partners?” Topuria responded to Rogan.
“Oh, I agree,” Rogan said. “I definitely believe they should fight.”
“I think Khabib is not in favor of that idea,” Rogan admitted.
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