Ilia Topuria wants to fight Islam Makhachev by hell or high waters. Topuria and Makhachev recently canceled the LuMe weight titles from the UFC and light weight, respectively, to continue belts in different weight classes. The distance between them will not stop the pursuit of Topuria.
Topuria and the former UFC Light Weight Champion Charles Oliveira are fighting for the vacant title of 155 pounds to UFC 317. The announcement caused a mixture of enthusiasm and disappointment. This is an excellent headliner for International UFC Combat Week on June 28, but it meant that we would not see Makhachev against Topuria. Makhachev’s planned move to Welters weights has not dissuaded Topuria’s desire to beat that many consider to be the best fighter book for book today.
“If Islam becomes the world of Welters weight champion, I will certainly put pressure for this shot,” said Topuria at a press conference before the fight.
“If he wins the title and I win the title in the light division, maybe I go up or come back to the light division and we have the fight that everyone wants to see.”
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Topuria (16-0) wanted to fight Makhatchev (27-1) for the light title, but welcomes the opportunity to make a statement against Oliveira. Although Makhachev remains his highest target, he will not wait for the former light champion.
“I wanted to face him because it was the guy who dominated everyone in this weight division,” said Topuria. “But in the end, I cannot control what they are doing.
“The only thing I can control is what I do, so I wanted to go up, I wanted to fight for a title, and that’s what I do. He decided to go up too, so I can’t do anything else, and go to fight the one who wants to fight me.”
