The recent UFC 312 event in Sydney had all the ingredients for a highly anticipated fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria. The featherweight champion was present in the corner of his brother Aleksander, who made his debut in the company against Colby Thicknesse. Despite the good vibes and exemplary behavior from both teams, there was no promotion or confrontation between Ilia and Volkanovski, fueling new speculations about the expected fight between Topuria and Islam Makhachev.
Makhachev has been vocal about Topuria not deserving a chance at the double championship yet. In a recent interview with Match TV, he reiterated that Topuria still needs to do more work in his weight category before he can consider giving him a chance. “I will not give him a chance immediately because he did not do all the work he had to do in his weight category,” Makhachev said. His intentions are clear: he wants the double belt, and Topuria is not yet worthy of a shot.
As Makhachev put it, “Let him step up and deserve a chance, and we will definitely fight.” His words may also be related to his good relationship with Movar Evloev, who is one of the greatest dangers for Topuria in the featherweight division. Makhachev’s statements suggest that he wants Topuria to make another fight before considering a matchup against him.
Makhachev criticizes Ilia’s “good life”
Makhachev has been critical of Topuria’s decision to move up in weight class, suggesting that he has gotten comfortable and no longer wants to make the hard weight cuts. “I guess he won fat for the good life, he wants to leave the belt and climb division,” Makhachev said in a recent interview. This criticism comes after Topuria announced his intentions to move up in weight class a few months ago. Makhachev and even Khabib have been firm in their speech that Topuria needs to win the titular opportunity before considering a move up.
The situation is complex, with Volkanovski already stating that he would be willing to fight Diego Lopes for an interim belt if Topuria decides to move up in weight class. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome of this situation, with Makhachev continuing to ask Topuria to step up and deserve a chance. As Makhachev concluded, “He only has one defense. I heard that he is having problems with weight cuts, he can no longer be kept in featherweight.” The question remains whether Topuria will be able to prove himself worthy of a shot at the double championship.