It seems Ilia Topuria really wants to fight Islam Makhachev. With the UFC featherweight champion title firmly wrapped around his waist, Topuria is looking to become a two-division champion. Topuria had long expressed his wishes about moving up in weight and fighting for a second title. However, after Makhachev’s victory over Renato Moicano, things got quite serious.
Topuria took to X and vowed to knock Makhachev out. Now, the Spaniard has yet again teased about a possible fight between the two. Speaking on ‘MainEventTV,’ Topuria mentioned that he would easily secure the victory over the lightweight king. He also claimed himself as the best fighter in the world.
“I’m the best fighter in the world. I know I can do with him whatever I wanna do, because I know that I’m much better than him,” Topuria said.
Ilia Topuria says he’d move up to 155 and fight Islam Makhachev next if it were up to him:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 5, 2025
“I’m the best fighter in the world. I know I can do with him whatever I wanna do, because I know that I’m much better than him.” 👀
🎥 @MainEventTV #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/AJnef7lcPa
Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev, too, sounded pretty confident. The UFC lightweight champion mentioned that he is ready to fight anyone who steps into the ring. However, Makhachev himself is eyeing his second belt, too. And for that, he wants to challenge Dricus Du Plessis.
Islam Makhachev Eyes Middleweight Championship Bout
Islam Makhachev is vying to become a two-division champion. And for that, he wants to move up to 185 lbs and challenge Dricus Du Plessis. However, the current champion, Du Plessis did not seem too bothered about the same. He immediately shrugged off the threat by claiming to ‘overpower’ Islam Makhachev.
“I’ll overpower [Islam] in any situation. I know he walks around heavy, but I walk around heavy. He’s a big lightweight, I’m a big middleweight. There’s a big difference there,” Du Plessis stated.
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Dricus du Plessis reacts to Islam Makhachev saying he'd be willing to move up to 185 and fight him:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 24, 2025
"I'll overpower [Islam] in any situation. I know he walks around heavy, but I walk around heavy. He's a big lightweight, I'm a big middleweight. There's a big difference there."… pic.twitter.com/y3MlZUKG66
Thus, it is evident that things are looking just a tad bit complex at the moment. Dana White must now decide how he wants to match his fighters going forward.
Also Read: Islam Makhachev Sounds Doubtful About His Chances Of Finishing Dricus Du Plessis At 185lbs
