Overview
- Fresh off his welterweight title win, Makhachev said in a MatchTV interview he will not cut back to 155 and that Topuria must move up to fight him.
- Makhachev argued Topuria has "nothing to lose" by challenging at 170 because he could return to lightweight and defend his belt if he is defeated.
- The Dagestani vacated the lightweight crown in 2025 and became welterweight champion by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322.
- Dana White told Complex that Makhachev’s next move depends on Topuria’s timeline and other results, tempering talk of a Kamaru Usman bout and noting factors like Gaethje vs. Pimblett and Khamzat Chimaev’s status.
- Makhachev pointed to Arman Tsarukyan’s persistent callouts as unfinished business at 155 for Topuria, while separate comments from Paddy Pimblett tied the division’s plans to Topuria’s return and the interim title fight at UFC 324.