Islam Makhachev called Renato Moicano ‘predictable.’ Surely enough, he proved his words as the lightweight champion got his victory in the first round. Fighting on a day’s notice, the Brazilian fighter looked to be on the offense right from the word go. Moicano even delivered a powerful punch that dropped Makhachev to the ground immediately. However, things quickly got reversed as Makhachev landed a vicious takedown followed by a D’Arce Choke. However, as Makhachev celebrated his victory, a chilling message awaited him. It was from none other than Ilia Topuria.
The UFC featherweight champion has long been hinting at a possible face-off with the lightweight champion. Now, the Spaniard called him out, saying that knocking him out is an easy task.
“Islam, if I want to, I can finish you.if I want to, I can knock you out. I’ll make it look easy. Se you soon,” Topuria posted on X.
Islam, if I want to, I can finish you.if I want to, I can knock you out. I'll make it look easy. Se you soon 😉
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) January 19, 2025
Surely, this is a huge statement from the featherweight champion. And surprisingly, Makhachev, too, stated in the in-octagon interview that if anyone wanted the title, he would fight him. Now, it is unclear if Topuria would get the chance right away. Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan had an interesting take on Topuria’s potential lightweight move.
Arman Tsarukyan Wants Ilia Topuria In The Lightweight Division
Ilia Topuria has long expressed his wish to hold belts in two divisions. However, while that might take a while to materialize, Arman Tsarukyan had an interesting proposition to make recently. He stated that Ilia Topuria coming into the lightweight division will be good for business.
In a conversation with MMA Junkie, Tsarukyan said, “He should move to 155 because he has a big name. As much as we have big names in our division, it’s gonna be better for us, you know. We gonna make more money, and our weight class gonna be like, you know, famous. It’s still famous.”
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Arman Tsarukyan thinks Ilia Topuria would be a stellar addition to the UFC lightweight division.
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) January 11, 2025
"He has a big name. As much as we have big names in our division, it’s better for us."
(via @MikeBohn) pic.twitter.com/QEDGruEpV1
Thus, with the possibility looking strong, Dana White will make the final decision. And while Ilia Topuria is itching to get his hands on Islam Makhachev, it remains to be seen what happens next.
