Ilia Topuria doesn’t simply desire a struggle with Islam Makhachev. He believes that matchup will show definitively that he’s the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter on the planet.
Presently No. 3 on MMA Fighting’s P4P list, the reigning featherweight champion has his eyes on the highest spot and that places him straight at odds with Makhachev, the UFC’s light-weight champion. Topuria has continuously talked about desirous to arrange a superfight between the 2 for Makhachev’s title and he reiterated that request in an interview with Fox Sports Australia.
“Me, personally, what I wish to do is transfer as much as 155 as a result of I do know that I can turn into a two-weight world champion,” Makhachev mentioned. “Islam, he’s an amazing fighter, he’s the No. 1 pound-for-pound for the individuals.
“For me, it’s me, myself, I’m one of the best fighter on the planet, so I do know that I can do with him no matter I wish to do, as a result of I do know that I’m a lot better than him.”
Topuria has made a robust case to be thought of one of the best fighter on the planet, no matter weight class. He topped a number of Fighter of the 12 months lists on the finish of 2024, with highlight-reel knockouts of Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, two of one of the best ever to compete at 145 kilos. In 16 professional bouts and eight UFC appearances, Topuria is but to expertise defeat.
Holloway was Topuria’s first title protection, and he’s open to sticking round in his division, however he’s hoping the matchmakers give him the chance to chase a second belt sooner relatively than later.
“That is one thing that I wish to do,” Topuria mentioned. “The UFC is aware of that. However on the finish of the day, that is one thing that the UFC decides as a result of they know tips on how to run the enterprise. They know tips on how to do it, they’ve a variety of expertise, so in the event that they inform me that they need me to maintain defending the belt within the 145 division, perhaps I’ll do this. But when they let me go as much as 155, I’ll do this additionally.”
Ought to Topuria keep at 145 kilos, he has no scarcity of potential challengers. A rumored rematch with Volkanovski looms, as do contemporary challengers Diego Lopes and Movsar Evloev. “El Matador” is aware of who he’d wish to face subsequent, if not Makhachev nor Volkanovski.
“I believe Diego deserves it extra as a result of Movsar has extra fights within the UFC, however he has eight fights, eight choices, [one] by break up choice, it’s good to end somebody,” Topuria mentioned. “Do one thing, do one thing related, put your self in that spot and why not? We are able to do it. However should you don’t end anybody, I struggle for the followers.
“I struggle to entertain the followers, and I would like somebody contained in the cage to be entertained. I don’t want somebody who is simply searching for the win and seize you and this and that, which he wouldn’t be capable of do this with me, I’d knock him out within the first spherical, however I would like somebody to hype up the struggle.”
