Overview

• Islam Makhachev reportedly declined a fight with Ilia Topuria, citing Topuria's lack of accomplishments at lightweight and his own interest in pursuing fights at higher weight classes.
• Ilia Topuria officially vacated his featherweight title after significant victories, including knockouts of Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, to commit to the lightweight division.
• Alexander Volkanovski believes Topuria has the power and style to potentially defeat Makhachev, though only if he can land a decisive knockout punch.
• Daniel Cormier suggested that a potential Makhachev vs. Topuria fight in Abu Dhabi could be a blockbuster event for the UFC, though no fight has been confirmed.
• The UFC lightweight division remains in flux, with no clear contender for Makhachev's title as top fighters face setbacks or near the end of their careers.