Overview

• Ilia Topuria, the reigning UFC featherweight champion, has publicly called out lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, aiming to become a two-division champion.
• Makhachev has dismissed the idea of an immediate title shot for Topuria, stating that he must earn his place in the lightweight division by defeating other contenders first.
• Topuria has criticized the perceived mental weakness of Dagestani fighters in competitive bouts, while Makhachev has questioned Topuria's readiness and commitment to cutting weight at featherweight.
• Prominent figures like Joe Rogan and former champions Henry Cejudo and Kamaru Usman have voiced support for a potential fight, citing Topuria's impressive wins over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.
• Paddy Pimblett, another lightweight contender, has reignited his rivalry with Topuria, challenging him to settle their feud at 155 pounds while questioning his star power and rapid rise.