UFC Faces Lightweight Title Dilemma as Ilia Topuria Demands Immediate Shot

Ilia Topuria's insistence on fighting Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title has drawn criticism from Charles Oliveira while the UFC navigates a crowded division and scheduling challenges.

• Ilia Topuria has vacated his featherweight title to pursue a lightweight championship fight against Islam Makhachev, citing weight-cutting difficulties and a desire to cement his legacy.
• Topuria has refused to fight other lightweight contenders, drawing criticism from Charles Oliveira, who argues that Topuria should earn his title shot by competing in the division first.
• Islam Makhachev has declined to face Topuria immediately, emphasizing the need for the Spanish-Georgian fighter to prove himself against other top competitors in the stacked lightweight division.
• The UFC has yet to confirm Topuria's next fight, with scheduling complications including the anticipated Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall bout delaying the resolution of the lightweight title picture.
• Topuria's rising star power, including his rebranding as 'La Leyenda' and growing popularity in Spain, has increased his marketability but also intensified debates over UFC matchmaking policies.

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