Islam Makhachev sees being overtaken on the UFC pound-for-pound ranks by Ilia Topuria as an opportunity for them to fight.
Following Topuria’s incredible win over Charles Oliveira during their battle for the vacant lightweight title in June, the former jumped up to the No.1 spot.
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When the pair met in the main event of UFC 317, Topuria exceeded expectations and became the latest addition to the two-weight world champion list.
The title itself was vacant because Makhachev relinquished it in order to pursue the belt at 170lbs, but Topuria’s jump to the top has put an end to the Russian’s impressive reign as No.1.
During an interview shared by Championship Rounds from the UFC’s Abu Dhabi event, Makhachev explained his theory that the changes to the ranks will open up a chance for him to finally fight Topuria.
He said: “Well, it’s marketing. They’re doing it on purpose to promote this fight.
“So they do it right, and we’ll be fighting for the number 1 spot in the rankings.”
While a fight between Makhachev and Topuria has long been speculated, the change in rankings could pave the way for the top two fighters to go head-to-head.
Should they go head to head, the winner would surely be dubbed as ‘the best’ fight in the promotion, regardless of rank.
However, Makhachev is currently believed to be actioning a bout with Jack Della Maddalena at 170lbs, after the former moved up to welterweight following a successful stint at lightweight.
Following his win at UFC 317, the Russian called Della Maddalena out for a fight in order to pursue the welterweight belt.
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Is Islam Makhachev likely to fight Ilia Topuria?
UFC boss, Dana White has suggested on the Full Send Podcast that Makhachev isn’t far off from fighting Topuria.
He stated: “If Islam wins [against Della Maddalena], that’s the fight to make.”
Both men have had an impressive run within their retrospective divisions.
Topuria has had a perfect run so far across his MMA activity, with a record of 17-0.
While Makhachev has had one loss his UFC career to date, which came against Adriano Martins in 2013, his record stands at 27-1.
As White is keen to see the top two pound-for-pound fighters go up against each other, we may well see Makhachev fight Topuria after all.
Who are the current UFC P4P top 15 fighters?
Topuria rose to the top spot of the 15 men:
- Ilia Topuria
- Islam Makhachev
- Merab Dvalishvili
- Dricus Du Plessis
- Alexandre Pantoja
- Alexander Volkanovski
- Magomed Ankalaev
- Jack Della Maddalena
- Tom Aspinall
- Alex Pereira
- Max Holloway
- Belal Muhammad
- Arman Tsarukyan
- Khamzat Chimaev
- Charles Oliveira
