Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev are holding agency on who deserves the subsequent light-weight title shot.
Earlier this yr, featherweight champion Ilia Topuria vacated his title, declaring his intention to maneuver as much as 155 kilos and pursue the light-weight belt. Followers instantly began speculating a few superfight between Makhachev and Topuria, however the light-weight champion has remained cool on the concept of giving a title shot to a different 145-pound champion, having already achieved so twice for Alexander Volkanovski. And regardless of rising help for the struggle, Makhachev and his workforce aren’t altering their tune.
“My private opinion — not essentially [more] harmful, let’s say extra aggressive — I feel it’s [Arman] Tsarukyan,” Khabib Nurmagomedov informed Adam Zubayraev not too long ago. “I feel Arman is a extra severe fighter than Topuria. Topuria is an effective fighter at 145 however we haven’t seen him at 155. I consider Arman is extra aggressive for Islam than Topuria. …
“I don’t know what sort of agreements Topuria and the UFC had, however from Islam’s aspect, he already gave two title pictures to 145 champions. Each occasions Islam gained. Now a 3rd time — OK, let’s think about Topuria strikes up and will get a title shot straight away, Islam beats him, then Topuria fights once more, he loses once more. So mainly [a] no person at 155. Islam beat a man who was a no person at 155. Due to that, by way of legacy for Islam, for his resume, I perceive Islam’s dangers, too. That’s why Islam says let him struggle, let him change into an actual contender.”
Makhachev was speculated to defend his title in opposition to Tsarukyan in the principle occasion of UFC 311 in January, nevertheless, Tsarukyan withdrew from the bout the day of weigh-ins, resulting in Renato Moicano to step in on 24 hours’ discover. Makhachev gained by first-round submission, breaking the report for many light-weight title defenses in UFC historical past. Two of these defenses got here in opposition to then-featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, together with the primary one happening in Volkanovski’s home-country of Australia, so it’s comprehensible that Makhachev is much less involved in doing that once more.
“Islam will struggle anybody,” Nurmagomedov stated. “Islam himself stated ‘I’ll struggle any fighter.’ However each time with Islam, OK, as soon as, twice, now a 3rd time they’re giving him a 145 champion transferring as much as 155. Come on now. Islam additionally deserves a say on this. He’s the perfect fighter and he fought the 145 champ, he flew to him. He went to Australia and fought him in his yard, fought him at residence. That’s why we as a workforce consider Topuria is a worthy fighter, he’s a champion, he defended the belt, beat very severe guys. You see all the fellows at 145, even [Max] Holloway, who he beat, when he moved as much as 155 he did nothing.
“Islam doesn’t have a lot time left both. If you concentrate on it, Islam will probably be 34 quickly. So Islam doesn’t need to struggle Topuria or Volkanovski or somebody stepping in on quick discover like [Renato] Moicano. Islam desires to struggle massive names who actually deserve it. Guys who’ve been at 155 for a very long time. Now we have nothing private right here however if you happen to’re transferring up a weight class, earn it. That’s kind of our stance.”
For what it’s price, Topuria isn’t the one champion trying to transfer up. As the highest pound-for-pound fighter within the sport, Makhachev has repeatedly let it’s recognized he needs to chase down a second title as properly, even providing to leap as much as middleweight if mandatory. However with Belal Muhammad set to defend his welterweight title in opposition to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 subsequent month, Makhachev might not must resort to such drastic measures.
“Islam desires to maneuver as much as 170 however we are able to’t struggle there as a result of Belal is there,” Nurmagomedov stated. “He’s an in depth good friend to us. That’s why we are able to’t put relationships above titles. That’s simply not how we do issues. …
“If Maddalena have been the champion, Islam would’ve already fought him. However as I perceive it, the UFC is ready for the Could occasion the place Belal and Maddlena will struggle. Personally, I need Belal to win. I sincerely hope he does. But when Maddalena wins, I feel the UFC may provide Islam a struggle with Maddalena at 170.”
