Overview

• Ilia Topuria, after vacating his featherweight title, has been promised a lightweight title shot by UFC President Dana White but faces resistance from Islam Makhachev’s camp.
• Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s mentor, insists Topuria must first prove himself at lightweight and favors Arman Tsarukyan as a more deserving challenger.
• Topuria has publicly criticized Nurmagomedov and Team Dagestan, claiming they are protecting Makhachev from facing him directly.
• Colby Covington has fueled speculation by suggesting the UFC has already booked Makhachev vs. Topuria for International Fight Week in June, though no official announcement has been made.
• The UFC lightweight title picture remains unresolved, with debates over meritocracy, commercial appeal, and matchmaking priorities shaping the division’s next steps.