UFC Legends Slam Islam Makhachev After Vacating Lightweight Title to Pursue Gold at 170-pounds

With the 155-pound title now up for grabs, Ilia Topuria, the former featherweight champion, has stepped in to seize the opportunity. Set to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in June, “El Matador” is eyeing lightweight gold to add to his growing legacy, even if it’s not against the opponent he originally wanted.

“I didn’t move up to lightweight to ask anyone for anything. I was the one in charge,” Topuria declared during a recent press conference. “After this fight, when I have the belt, [Makhachev] can get in line, which is a long one.”

Topuria, known for his no-nonsense attitude and aggressive fighting style, isn’t looking to do Makhachev any favours should the Dagestani decide to return. Much like Makhachev showed little interest in welcoming Topuria when the Georgian-Spaniard moved up, the favour won’t be returned.

UFC Legend Michael Bisping Is Firmly Against ‘Double Champ Fights’

While fans are excited over potential super fights, some UFC veterans are expressing concern. UFC Hall of Famer and former middleweight champion Michael Bisping isn’t impressed with the trend of champions chasing double champ status over responsibility.

“Stay in your weight class and defend against all of the contenders,” Bisping said on his YouTube channel. “That’s what fighters used to do. That’s what Anderson Silva did. That’s what Georges St-Pierre did.”

Bisping pointed to fighters like Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira and Mateusz Gamrot, top contenders at lightweight who found themselves in limbo for a few months as examples of why these title-hopping ambitions can be detrimental to divisions in the grand scheme of things.

Chael Sonnen Accuses Islam Makhachev of Ducking Ilia Topuria at Lightweight

Chael Sonnen, never one to mince words, took it a step further, accusing Makhachev of ducking Topuria altogether.

“You have an undefeated, No. 1 ranked world champion who’s chasing you down… and you’re so interested in getting away from this guy, that you leave your belt?” Sonnen said on ESPN.

The former middleweight and light-heavyweight contender believes Makhachev’s move is less about legacy and more about avoidance. And this narrative seems to be gaining traction among some fans and pundits.

While it’s unclear whether the Russian jumping up to welterweight is a strategic move to avoid defending his once lightweight crown against Topuria, UFC fans will be treated to some epic fights over the next few months.

We already have Topuria and Oliveira set for the summer. And Della Maddalena vs Makhachev is also in the works for late summer/autumn time. Two fights that promise to be fireworks, while they last.