Henry Cejudo thinks Khabib Nurmagomedov might be the person standing in the way in which of an Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria superfight.
Earlier this yr, Topuria introduced plans to vacate the featherweight title, stating his intention to maneuver as much as 155 kilos and pursue a second belt. Followers instantly speculated whether or not Topuria would get an instantaneous title shot, with Topuria including to the hypothesis by saying he has been promised one. Nonetheless, Makhachev appears cool on the concept, and Cejudo believes he is aware of why.
“I keep in mind speaking to Khabib, and Khabib stated it’s not honest for Ilia to skip the road and go after the title shot with Islam as a result of that’s all Islam’s been doing,” Cejudo instructed MMA Junkie. “He gave [Alexander] Volkanovski a pair title [shots] the place he has gone up. So I don’t even suppose it’s going to be Islam’s alternative. I feel Khabib goes to step in and be like, ‘He must struggle the No. 1 contender.’
“Khabib stated if Ilia does beat a No. 1 contender then positive, we’ll do this. So I personally suppose that Islam will struggle anyone, anytime, wherever. There’s a quote on him on the PI that claims that, however I feel that the person who’s extra probably going to play backup goes to be Khabib Nurmagomedov. He’s going to say no, so for that cause, I’m guessing it’s going to be Justin Gaethje vs. Islam Makhachev, Worldwide Battle Week.”
Makhachev is at the moment the longest-reigning champion within the UFC, and in January broke the document for many light-weight title defenses along with his defeat of Renato Moicano at UFC 311. Nonetheless, the one knock on Makhachev’s title reign is that two of his defenses got here in opposition to then-featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, which is why Makhachev says he’s not fascinated by combating one other featherweight and needs Topuria to beat anyone at light-weight first. And Cejudo has simply the opponent.
“I additionally really feel like what might occur, they might in all probability give Ilia Dustin Poirier in Louisiana,” Cejudo stated. “No matter that could be. As a result of I’m pondering Charles [Oliveira] doesn’t need to struggle Ilia Topuria, he says ‘I’ll struggle him once I’m champ.’ So, I don’t understand how a lot pull he has there, but when a fighter is saying he received’t struggle anyone for that title shot as a result of he did already get that chance and he misplaced, he doesn’t have leverage. The UFC will simply shelve you. They are going to undoubtedly shelf you, so I can see Ilia Topuria vs. Dustin Poirier.”
“Dustin Poirier did say he’s solely combating legends in his retirement struggle, and Ilia Topuria simply modified his identify to ‘Legend.’”
