Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev are holding agency on who deserves the subsequent light-weight title shot.
Earlier this yr, featherweight champion Ilia Topuria vacated his title, declaring his intention to maneuver as much as 155 kilos and pursue the light-weight belt. Followers instantly began speculating a couple of superfight between Makhachev and Topuria, however the light-weight champion has remained cool on the thought of giving a title shot to a different 145-pound champion, having already achieved so twice for Alexander Volkanovski. And regardless of rising assist for the battle, Makhachev and his crew aren’t altering their tune.
“My private opinion — not essentially [more] harmful, let’s say extra aggressive — I believe it’s [Arman] Tsarukyan,” Khabib Nurmagomedov advised Adam Zubayraev not too long ago. “I believe Arman is a extra severe fighter than Topuria. Topuria is an effective fighter at 145 however we haven’t seen him at 155. I consider Arman is extra aggressive for Islam than Topuria. …
“I don’t know what sort of agreements Topuria and the UFC had, however from Islam’s aspect, he already gave two title photographs to 145 champions. Each instances Islam received. Now a 3rd time — OK, let’s think about Topuria strikes up and will get a title shot instantly, Islam beats him, then Topuria fights once more, he loses once more. So principally [a] no person at 155. Islam beat a man who was a no person at 155. Due to that, by way of legacy for Islam, for his resume, I perceive Islam’s dangers, too. That’s why Islam says let him battle, let him grow to be an actual contender.”
Makhachev was purported to defend his title in opposition to Tsarukyan in the primary occasion of UFC 311 in January, nonetheless, Tsarukyan withdrew from the bout the day of weigh-ins, resulting in Renato Moicano to step in on 24 hours’ discover. Makhachev received by first-round submission, breaking the document for many light-weight title defenses in UFC historical past. Two of these defenses got here in opposition to then-featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, together with the primary one going down in Volkanovski’s home-country of Australia, so it’s comprehensible that Makhachev is much less thinking about doing that once more.
“Islam will battle anybody,” Nurmagomedov mentioned. “Islam himself mentioned ‘I’ll battle any fighter.’ However each time with Islam, OK, as soon as, twice, now a 3rd time they’re giving him a 145 champion shifting as much as 155. Come on now. Islam additionally deserves a say on this. He’s the perfect fighter and he fought the 145 champ, he flew to him. He went to Australia and fought him in his yard, fought him at house. That’s why we as a crew consider Topuria is a worthy fighter, he’s a champion, he defended the belt, beat very severe guys. You see all the blokes at 145, even [Max] Holloway, who he beat, when he moved as much as 155 he did nothing.
“Islam doesn’t have a lot time left both. If you concentrate on it, Islam will probably be 34 quickly. So Islam doesn’t wish to battle Topuria or Volkanovski or somebody stepping in on quick discover like [Renato] Moicano. Islam needs to battle huge names who actually deserve it. Guys who’ve been at 155 for a very long time. We’ve nothing private right here however when you’re shifting up a weight class, earn it. That’s kind of our stance.”
For what it’s value, Topuria isn’t the one champion trying to transfer up. As the highest pound-for-pound fighter within the sport, Makhachev has repeatedly let or not it’s recognized he needs to chase down a second title as nicely, even providing to leap as much as middleweight if mandatory. However with Belal Muhammad set to defend his welterweight title in opposition to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 subsequent month, Makhachev could not have to resort to such drastic measures.
“Islam needs to maneuver as much as 170 however we will’t battle there as a result of Belal is there,” Nurmagomedov mentioned. “He’s a detailed good friend to us. That’s why we will’t put relationships above titles. That’s simply not how we do issues. …
“If Maddalena have been the champion, Islam would’ve already fought him. However as I perceive it, the UFC is ready for the Could occasion the place Belal and Maddlena will battle. Personally, I would like Belal to win. I sincerely hope he does. But when Maddalena wins, I believe the UFC may provide Islam a battle with Maddalena at 170.”
