Ilia Topuria tells Islam Makhachev to ‘get in line’ if he returns to lightweight

Ilia Topuria isn’t going to do Islam Makhachev any favors if he ever decides to return to the UFC light-weight division.

With an opportunity to assert the now vacant 155-pound title with a battle booked in opposition to Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in June, Topuria is worked up so as to add one other championship to his legacy even when he didn’t get the matchup in opposition to Makhachev like he wished. As an alternative, Makhachev is transferring as much as welterweight to problem new champion Jack Della Maddalena later this 12 months, however he’s hinted at doubtlessly returning to his previous stomping grounds at some point sooner or later to reclaim that title as effectively.

Effectively very similar to Makhachev confirmed little curiosity in going through Topuria when he moved up from featherweight, “El Matador” is returning the favor by telling the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter within the sport that he’ll should earn his method again to a title shot if he ever comes again to light-weight.

“You recognize from the start, he wished to provide the impression that he had some form of resolution [to make],” Topuria mentioned throughout a press convention to advertise his upcoming battle. “He additionally mentioned a few week in the past ‘My transfer as much as welterweight isn’t going to matter as a result of I’m not planning on vacating my title.’ You do not forget that proper? And I had mentioned earlier than that, I didn’t transfer as much as light-weight to ask anybody for something and that I used to be the one in cost.

“So who acquired their method, who did what they mentioned? As at all times, him or me? So after this battle when I’ve the belt, he can get in line, which is an extended one and somebody’s eyes might be shining.”

It’s true that Makhachev acknowledged that even when he moved as much as welterweight that he didn’t plan on giving up his light-weight title however that’s not how issues performed out.

Very like Topuria transferring as much as a brand new division, and giving up his featherweight title, Makhachev finally needed to do the identical when he relinquished his light-weight title so he may pursue a second belt within the welterweight division.

So neither of them have the prospect to turn into “champ-champ,” however Topuria has made it clear that his future solely lies at light-weight after enduring some tough weight cuts to get right down to 145 kilos.

Maybe Makhachev thinks in another way about doubtlessly going again to light-weight however it appears Topuria is greater than prepared to show the tables on him if that occurs by telling the now former champion to earn his method again to a title shot somewhat than having something handed to him.

The backwards and forwards between Topuria and Makhachev has solely ratcheted up in latest days, however they gained’t face one another subsequent and there’s no telling if this showdown ever occurs sooner or later.