Ilia Topuria Eyes Two-Division Reign, wants to fight Islam Makhachev

26 February 2024

Fresh off his emphatic knockout triumph over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, Ilia Topuria, the outspoken Spaniard, has set his sights on becoming a two-division champion, with a direct challenge to lightweight powerhouse Islam Makhachev.

Topuria's remarkable victory at UFC 298 in Anaheim extended his undefeated streak to fifteen consecutive wins, solidifying his status as the undisputed featherweight champion. The Alicante resident is now eyeing potential matchups closer to home, including a blockbuster bout against former two-division titleholder Conor McGregor, and even contemplating a venture into boxing to take on middleweight sensation Canelo Alvarez.

Moreover, Topuria has openly declared his intentions to face Makhachev, asserting that the Russian phenom will face significant challenges against him in the octagon. In a statement to Spanish media following his title triumph, Topuria confidently declared, "He’s (Islam Makhachev) in trouble."

Meanwhile, Makhachev, fresh off a dominant victory over Volkanovski, is expected to return to action toward the end of the summer. Potential opponents for the undisputed lightweight champion include former interim titleholder Justin Gaethje, as well as the winner of the Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan clash scheduled for UFC 300 in April.

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As the anticipation builds for Topuria's potential matchups and Makhachev's next challenge, the MMA world eagerly awaits the unfolding of these compelling narratives in the octagon.