Makhachev Rules Out A Topuria Fight – ‘I Don’t Need His Name’

December 8, 2024
2 months
Makhachev Rules Out Topuria Fight - 'I Don’t Need His Name'

Islam Makhachev has ruled out a fight with the UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria

Makhachev is set to defend his UFC Lightweight Title against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311. It is a rematch of their first clash, which Islam won by a unanimous decision. Makhachev has been very vocal about his desire to move up a weight class in order to secure another title. He initially targeted Leon Edwards, who was the UFC Welterweight Champion. However, Edwards lost his title to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304. Since Makhachev and Belal are close friends, Islam is reluctant to take that fight. 

Islam previously faced off against the other featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski. He gave Volk two opportunities to move up to lightweight to face him. Islam came through with victories in both fights, stopping Volkanovski in their second bout. Ilia is coming off a knockout victory against Max Holloway at UFC 308. He gave Max the first stoppage loss of his career. Topuria has entertained the idea of moving up to face Islam. He would have to do something that Volkanovski failed to do, that being, winning.

Since Ilia stopped Volkanovski himself for the featherweight title, he will fancy his chances against Makhachev. Topuria had been linked with a rematch against Volk. He met the Australian in the Octagon after beating Holloway. The Georgian indicated that he would give Volkanovski another title shot. Volk has also said that he wants a title fight for his next bout. But since then, Topuria’s comments have changed. He is targeting a return by May, ruling out the Volk rematch, as Islam is the focus.  

Makhachev Vs. Topuria

“I’m on the verge of making some decisions, and I’m not sure what’s going to happen. I’m closer to making a fight with (Islam) Makhachev, that’s what interest me the most. My ideal rival needs to have something that has me fighting for something. I need to conquer something. I need something to motivate me. Do a rematch (with Volkanovski) for what?

“I already beat him. ‘Oh, is that I want another chance for,’ Ok, you’re better than me. That’s it. Getting a second title and fighting for something that builds your legacy. That’s something I’ve set for myself. [I want to fight in] April or May, April or May. It also interests me to be active at the same time, but the weight cut is very annoying, to be honest,” Topuria said

But Islam has dismissed the fight, stating that he does not want to give small fighters another chance. His primary focus is to secure another belt to solidify his legacy.

“No, man. I’m tired of giving chance to small guys. I need my second belt. It’s nothing exciting. He’s a good fighter. He’s a good skills fighter, but I don’t want to give him a chance. I need second belt. That fight for what? For me, is nothing. It’s just his name, and I don’t need his name. I need the belt,”,” Makhachev stated 

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