Islam Makhachev says Ilia Topuria would need to beat one specific fighter before he entertains 'El Matador' as UFC 308 title fight announced
08/05/2024 07:19 AM
With the UFC lightweight champion out with a hand injury, the promotion has moved to add a fantastic featherweight title fight to the UFC 308 card in Abu Dhabi – one that'll potentially see Islam Makhachev's next opponent barge their way to the front of the line.
It was an exciting return to Abu Dhabi for the UFC this past weekend, with Umar Nurmagomedov securing his shot at the bantamweight title with an impressive decision win in his first-ever main event.
When the promotion next returns to the region, it'll do so with an undisputed title fight in tow, and even though that won't feature lightweight king Islam Makhachev, the 155lb champion will be sat front and center for when 'El Matador' steps back into the bullring.
- Who is Islam Makhachev?Step inside the life of the pound-for-pound best fighter on the plane
UFC 308 announced with Ilia Topuria vs Max Holloway in main event
Over the weekend, Dana White took to social media to officially announce the top four fights for UFC 308, which is scheduled to go down on October 26 from the Etihad Arena in the United Arab Emirates.
- Ilia Topuria vs Max Holloway
- Ciryl Gane vs Alexander Volkov
- Robert Whittaker vs Khamzat Chimaev
- Magomed Ankalaev vs Aleksandar Rakic
Also reportedly added to the card is a featherweight clash between Lerone Murphy and Dan Ige, as well as a welterweight bout between Geoff Neal and former champion Rafael Dos Anjos.
Yet even several months out from the featherweight title fight that tops the UFC 308 bill, there is a certain expectation that the winner of Max Holloway vs Ilia Topuria will call for a shot at Islam Makhachev's lightweight title.
So, what has the 155lb champ had to say about the two superstars in recent months?
Islam Makhachev argued Topuria needs to beat 18-0 contender before moving up
First up, Ilia Topuria, who actually called out Makhachev after his dramatic knockout win over Alexander Volkanovski earlier this year – claiming that the Dagestani demolition man is his "final objective."
The lightweight champion was quick to respond to El Matador's callout: "Another short guy is talking, another short guy wants to be smeshed."
Yet when speaking to MARCA ahead of his UFC 302 title fight against Dustin Poirier in June, Makhachev was far more complimentary of the newly crowned featherweight champion.
"Ilia is good, yes. I think in my opinion he has good wrestling skills, but he always uses his boxing. And when you have good boxing, your opponent has good boxing, it’s a little bit dangerous."
However, Makhachev did also note that he'd only accept a fight offer against Topuria if the Spanish-Georgian sensation first cleaned out his division as Volkanovski did – specifically, he'd need to beat 18-0 contender Movsar Evloev.
“He is good, but his next opponent is Max Holloway. If he beats Max, [and] if he beats Movsar Evloev… He has a big job to do in his division.”
Movsar Evloev is coming off a controversial decision win over Arnold Allen and is scheduled to face former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling at UFC 307 in October; only a few weeks before UFC 308 takes place in Abu Dhabi.
"Man, I don’t know why the little guys want to fight me," continued Makhachev.
"I would give him the chance. I gave Volkanovski the chance twice. Maybe for the future, someday. Why not?”
Ironically, 'Why Not?' was also a key theme of Makhachev's response to a potential title against BMF title holder, Max 'Blessed' Holloway.
Islam Makhachev welcomes 'crazy fight' with Max Holloway
As the promotion touched down in Abu Dhabi last weekend for a solid Fight Night card, Makhachev would appear as an on-stage guest for a live Q&A with fans – and it was long before he was asked about the challenge of 'Blessed'.
"Why not? I already beat Arman. If UFC puts him next, that's no problem. But I'm not excited much. I need some new name, new challenger, I already beat Arman. If Max wants, let's do it.
"I don't need his [BMF] belt, but Max is a good name, big name. It's going to be a crazy fight for the fans… If he beats Topuria, and this is a tough match for him, [but] if he beats Topuria and the UFC wants the match, let's go, let's do it."
Makhachev himself was speaking with a cast on his hand, having revealed earlier in the week that he'd suffered a torn ligament; an injury that has sadly forced him to delay the title fight with Arman Tsarukyan.
It's unclear when Makhachev will be ready to fight again, although he'll likely be sat cageside in Abu Dhabi for when Topuria and Holloway meet in October.
