Khabib’s Bold Condition for Ilia Topuria to Earn a Title Shot Against Islam Makhachev

Khabib Nurmagomedov has always been known for his sharp insight and unfiltered opinions. Recently, the former UFC lightweight champion weighed in on the growing speculation surrounding Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev, two of the hottest fighters in the UFC. The rising tension between these two warriors is undeniable, especially with Topuria emerging as a potential threat to Makhachev’s lightweight throne. But Khabib has made one thing clear: for Topuria to earn a shot at Makhachev, there is one significant challenge that stands in his way.

Khabib’s Unwavering Stance on Ilia Topuria’s Title Shot

In an appearance on Henry Cejudo’s Pound for Pound podcast, Khabib shared his thoughts on the growing buzz about a potential Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria showdown. The conversation quickly turned to the prospect of an immediate champion vs. champion fight between the two, but Khabib shut down that idea almost instantly. “Islam doesn’t need to give a chance to the 145 champion right now,” Khabib said, revealing his firm stance that Topuria must first prove himself by defeating one of the top contenders in the lightweight division before even being considered for a title shot.

This bold statement from Khabib has sparked considerable debate among fans and analysts alike. While Ilia Topuria has made an impressive mark in the featherweight division, recently dominating the highly respected Max Holloway, Khabib’s message was clear: Topuria needs to face and beat another elite fighter in the lightweight division, like Charles Oliveira or Dustin Poirier, to truly prove that he’s worthy of stepping into the octagon with Islam Makhachev.

For Khabib, the idea of Topuria jumping directly into a title fight without earning it through rigorous competition doesn’t sit well. After all, Makhachev, as the current lightweight champion, has faced and defeated top-tier competition to get to where he is. According to Khabib, it would be unfair to hand a title shot to someone who hasn’t yet faced a contender at the same level as Oliveira or Poirier.

The Rising Star Ilia Topuria: Is He Ready for Islam Makhachev?

Ilia Topuria has been making waves ever since he arrived in the UFC. Known for his aggressive striking and ability to finish fights in impressive fashion, Topuria’s most recent victory over Max Holloway catapulted him into the conversation of future title contenders. Despite being a featherweight, Topuria has shown that he’s capable of going up against the best, even in higher weight classes.

But the question remains: is Topuria really ready to take on someone like Islam Makhachev, a fighter who has dominated the lightweight division with his calculated approach, excellent grappling, and overall fight IQ? Some believe that Topuria’s striking, which has been praised by fighters like Caio Borralho, could give him an edge over Makhachev. Borralho, a middleweight star, recently expressed his belief that Topuria’s striking might be a real challenge for Makhachev, suggesting that the lightweight champion could face difficulties dealing with the relentless pressure and striking precision that Topuria brings.

However, Khabib’s position remains unchanged. While he acknowledges Topuria’s skills and his impressive performances, he doesn’t believe that one dominant win in the featherweight division is enough to guarantee him a chance to fight for the lightweight title. For Khabib, the process must be earned, not given.

The Middle Ground: What Needs to Happen Before the Big Fight?

With the pressure mounting from fans and analysts alike, the reality is that Ilia Topuria still has some hurdles to clear before he can earn the coveted title shot against Islam Makhachev. Khabib’s suggestion that Topuria should face one of the top contenders in the lightweight division—Charles Oliveira or Dustin Poirier—could be a way to ensure that the fight is truly meaningful, and not just another high-profile match.

A showdown with Charles Oliveira, a fighter who has long been considered one of the most dangerous submission artists in the UFC, would test Topuria’s grappling and his ability to handle the pressure of a seasoned veteran in the lightweight division. Similarly, a fight against Dustin Poirier, a fighter known for his striking and resilience, would prove whether Topuria can truly compete with the elite in a higher weight class.

Both of these potential matchups would help to elevate Ilia Topuria’s status and give him the credibility he needs before stepping into the octagon with Islam Makhachev for a title fight. After all, Makhachev has already proven his dominance by defeating the best fighters in the lightweight division, including the likes of Beneil Dariush and Charles Oliveira. For Topuria to truly be seen as a worthy challenger, he needs to prove himself against similar competition.

Khabib’s take on the matter, while controversial, certainly makes sense in the world of competitive fighting. In the UFC, nothing is guaranteed without hard work and overcoming top-tier competition. It’s not enough to dominate in one division—Topuria needs to rise through the ranks and show that he has what it takes to compete with the best at 155 lbs.

In the end, the Topuria vs. Makhachev fight remains one of the most talked-about potential matchups in the UFC today. Whether or not Ilia Topuria will take the necessary steps to prove himself worthy of a title shot remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the road to the lightweight crown is filled with challenges, and Khabib Nurmagomedov isn’t going to let anyone skip ahead without earning it.