Ilia Topuria’s Dream of a Superfight UFC Champion Faces Reality Check as Makhachev Plans Stun

Ilia Topuria, the current UFC featherweight champion, has set his sights on challenging Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion. Last year, Topuria expressed his ambitions clearly, saying, “I’m closer to making a fight with (Islam) Makhachev—that’s what interests me the most.” The desire to become a two-division champion is undeniable, but is it more than just a desire for belts?

The desire to move up in weight has sparked debate. Both Topuria and Makhachev have achieved impressive records in their respective divisions. Topuria remains undefeated since his UFC debut in 2020, while Makhachev, a veteran, has only one career loss, remaining unbeaten since 2015. This clash of undefeated streaks stirs excitement among fans. However, UFC President Dana White has a different take, urging Topuria to solidify his position in the 145-pound division first before challenging Makhachev at 155 pounds.

Dana White’s Reality Check: ‘Unfinished Business’ at Featherweight

Dana White, the UFC president, is not on board with Topuria’s plan to skip over challenges in his own division. White emphasized that Topuria still has plenty of unfinished business at 145 pounds. He pointed to Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski, both of whom dominated their respective divisions before moving up in weight. “Before we start talking about guys moving up to other weight classes, look at Max Holloway… he wiped out the entire division,” White explained. For Topuria, who has defended his featherweight title only once, this leaves significant questions about his readiness for a move up.

Chael Sonnen’s Cold Water: A Reality Check for Ilia Topuria

Chael Sonnen, former fighter-turned-analyst, recently threw some cold water on Topuria’s plans, offering him a reality check. In a YouTube video, Sonnen urged Topuria to consider his true motivations. He advised, “If Topuria really wants to do this, he’s going to have to start with the truth. If his truth is, ‘I can’t make 145 anymore,’ let me just encourage you to stop.” Sonnen believes that if Topuria’s motivation to fight Makhachev at lightweight is about more than just personal goals, he should declare himself a full-fledged 155-pound contender. Doing so would instantly place him in line for a title shot.

Topuria’s Ambition vs. Dana White’s Strategy: The Superfight Dilemma

Sonnen’s advice aligns with Dana White’s stance on preserving the integrity of divisions. White has always been cautious about allowing superfights to disrupt division dynamics, as he recently shut down Islam Makhachev’s dreams of moving to middleweight. Both Topuria and Makhachev dream of being two-division champions, but White stresses the importance of staying focused within their current divisions before thinking about moving up.

Islam Makhachev’s Middleweight Aspirations: A Dream Too Far?

Islam Makhachev is also eyeing the idea of moving to middleweight (185 lbs) but faces hurdles in doing so. His focus on welterweight (170 lbs) was stifled by his teammate Belal Muhammad, and now his interest in middleweight could be another obstacle. Dana White has expressed hesitations about Makhachev jumping all the way to 185 pounds, making it clear that 170 pounds might be a more feasible option for the lightweight champ.

Topuria’s Path to Glory: Is He Ready for Makhachev?

So, what’s next for Ilia Topuria? Will he conquer the featherweight division before targeting Islam Makhachev at lightweight? The debate is far from over, but the pressure to prove himself at 145 pounds first could impact his chances of ever reaching a superfight with the lightweight king.

With UFC legends like Chael Sonnen and Dana White weighing in, Topuria faces a pivotal moment in his career. The question remains: will he heed their advice and solidify his legacy as a featherweight king before chasing the dream of becoming a two-division champion?

Is Topuria Biting Off More Than He Can Chew?

Fans are left to wonder: Is Ilia Topuria truly ready to challenge Islam Makhachev? Or will he face a harsh reality check that may delay his move up?