In the realm of UFC, the names of Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria carry significant weight. These two fighters are often celebrated as the sport’s shining stars, with constant discussions circulating about their potential face-off. Such a match generates considerable stir among the fanbase, but Makhachev has clarified his stance of not wanting to compete against featherweights.
Backing up Makhachev’s perspective is another stalwart of UFC, Matt Brown. He aligns with the lightweight champion in the opinion that fighters in the 145-pound category should not receive chances to contest at this level. The controversy has been further fueled by ‘El Matador’ who recently relinquished his featherweight title leading to speculation about a matchup with Islam Makhachev.
The interest in a potential fight between Makhachev and the former featherweight champion is peak high, yet there is no guarantee of Topuria’s immediate advancement to a lightweight title fight. UFC veteran Matt Brown comprehends Makhachev’s apprehension about a duel with Topuria orchestrating a direct entry into a title bout at a different weight class.
Brown not only sympathizes with Makhachev’s concern but actively supports his standpoint. He highlights that the lightweight champion has already had an encounter with ex-featherweight, Alexander Volkanovski. Brown comments, ‘As Makhachev, I wouldn’t initiate this fight.’ With these words, he concurs with Makhachev’s disinterest in battling ‘another inflated 145-pounder.’
Brown further records, ‘Makhachev has crossed paths with such a competitor before – the Volkanovski encounters. Makhachev’s hesitance to go down that road again, I fully appreciate. Him expressing his disinclination towards another 145-er conflict, I find it well justified.’ In light of Ilia’s remarkable accomplishments, Brown feels he deserves to have a shot at the title across various divisions, but he agrees, Ilia ought to earn his privileges towards a title challenge.
While the issue stirs up mixed feelings amongst the sporting fraternity, Joe Rogan, another prominent voice, backs the eagerly anticipated contest between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. With ‘El Matador’ dropping his featherweight championship and moving up to the 155 lbs category, Rogan opines that the stage is set for a thrilling encounter.
Topuria has consistently indicated his curiosity in gaining a second title, while Makhachev has suggested potential shifts within divisions. On his popular podcast, Rogan is seen advocating for the fight, uttering, ‘As outrageous as it may seem, I’m rooting for Ilia’s shift to the 155-pound band. I earnestly am.’
Rogan goes on to include his choice of upcoming matches, ‘[Alexander] Volkanovski up against Diego Lopes in the 145-pound category, and then we see Ilia transitioning to the 155-pound class. I’m not concerned whether he defended the title once or not at all. I simply urge, Let it happen. Let’s proceed.’
Joe Rogan pitches his belief that Ilia Topuria needn’t have multiple title defenses to make his transition to the 155 lbs category. While acknowledging the attractiveness of him fighting more featherweight contenders, Rogan urges that precedence should be given to a match with Islam Makhachev.
Core to Rogan’s opinion is the spectator’s viewpoint. He deems a showdown between Makhachev and Topuria as one that UFC fans cannot afford to miss. He believes that the title defenses are secondary in comparison to the interesting prospect of a potential fight between these two athletes.