Islam Makhachev reveals key obstacle that could block a showdown with Ilia Topuria

Islam was always considered to be on the bigger side for a lightweight, so his decision to move up to 170lbs did not surprise many people.

Even after moving up in weight, he has not ruled out facing ‘El Matador’, especially since Topuria has said he would be willing to fight at welterweight.

However, most UFC fans seem to prefer that any potential matchup take place at 155lbs, feeling it would be a more even contest.

Makhachev has spoken about the challenges of returning to lightweight and seemed unlikely to drop back down again.

During a media scrum following his win over Della Maddalena, he said (via Red Corner MMA): “It would have to be a very good offer for me to start cutting back to 155lbs, because I’m not young in this sport anymore, and every weight cut takes years off your health, it’s not as easy as before to cut weight.”

If things stay as they are now, both fighters look set for title defences within their own divisions rather than meeting each other anytime soon.

Makhachev and Topuria have plenty of options on the table

Both fighters are still new to their divisions, which means there is no shortage of intriguing matchups for either man.

Arman Tsarukyan looked sharp in his recent win over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar and made a strong case to be the next in line. He and Topuria have already started trading words, adding fuel to that potential matchup.

Meanwhile, Makhachev has plenty of compelling choices at welterweight, too.

Ian Machado Garry believes he has earned a title shot after defeating Belal Muhammad and is not shy about making his case public.

On the other hand, Makhachev seems more interested in Kamaru Usman as his next opponent, even though Usman has not looked like his old self lately.