In the UFC’s annals, Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria hold a prominent spot as two of the most revered champions. The prospect of a face-off between these two giants has always stirred excitement among the fandom. Nonetheless, Makhachev has openly expressed his lack of interest in taking on fighters in the featherweight category.
This notion resonates with longtime UFC professional Matt Brown. Brown is in agreement with the lightweight champion, emphasizing that fighters in the 145-pound category should not be granted the chance to contend with Makhachev. With Topuria relinquishing his featherweight championship recently, the idea of a Makhachev-Topuria bout has generated much conjecture.
Yet, there’s no guarantee that Topuria will be offered a straight shot at the lightweight title. Matt Brown, a revered name in the UFC, comprehends Makhachev’s reluctance. He acknowledges that Topuria’s leap straight into a championship battle might be uncalled for.
Brown is fully on board with Makhachev’s viewpoint. He points out that the lightweight champion already confronted an ex-featherweight champion in Alexander Volkanovski. Hence, taking on another is unnecessary.
Quoting Brown, ‘Should I be Makhachev, I wouldn’t accept that fight. I wouldn’t want it to materialize. I wholeheartedly concur with his standing. He doesn’t need to spar with another promoted 145-pounder.’
As Brown further elaborated, ‘That’s something he has already experienced (referring to the fight with Volkanovski). I am in total agreement with Islam’s viewpoint. I don’t think another bout with an elevated 145-pounder is necessary. Makhachev’s point is a valid one.’
While appreciating Ilia’s achievements, Brown feels Topuria has proved his mettle in every division but should still ‘fight one’ to earn a position in the title fight as opposed to it being handed to him.
One person rather enthusiastic about the possibility of the Makhachev vs Topuria match is Joe Rogan. Now that Topuria, also known as ‘El Matador’, has renounced his featherweight title to ascend to 155 lbs, Rogan sees opportunity.
Topuria has long voiced his desire for a second belt, correspondingly, Makhachev has alluded to possible division changes. Rogan, on his podcast, identified this potential match as the one to make.
As quoted from his podcast, Rogan stated, ‘As outlandish as it might seem, I want Ilia to jump to the 155-pound category. That is my earnest desire. Let Topuria and Volkanovski-Diego Lopes contest at 145, and Ilia should advance to 155. Regardless of whether he defended the title once or didn’t, it does not matter. Bring it on, let’s do this.’
In Rogan’s viewpoint, Ilia Topuria doesn’t require multiple title defenses and should scale up to 155 lbs. He believes this move to a higher weight class should supersede any obligations Topuria has to face off with further featherweight contenders.
Rogan consistently emphasized that Makhachev should be Topuria’s foremost priority. In his words, a fight between the two would undeniably be a must-watch event for UFC enthusiasts.