Topuria vacated his UFC featherweight title for a move up to 155 pounds. Lightweight champion Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) previously said he’s not interested in fighting another 145-pounder in Topuria, and his manager agrees.

Ilia Topuria recently vacated his featherweight belt to pursue a potential fight with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who is fresh off a quick submission win over Renato Moicano at UFC 311. Alexander Volkanovski famously got knocked out by Topuria when they met at UFC 298 last February.

Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC), who has defended his lightweight title a division-record four times, said he won’t retire before chasing his goal of becoming UFC dual-champion. But Muhammad can see a scenario where he notches a couple of title defenses, then move up to middleweight for his own opportunity at winning a second title.

Ariel Helwani has confirmed that the UFC is planning on doing Islam Makhachev vs Ilia Topuria in 2025 for the UFC Lightweight Championship.

Now-former undisputed featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria is targeting a massive -- long-mooted matchup for his lightweight divisional bow later this year,

UFC legend Michael Bisping doesn't believe Islam Makhachev has any fear of a showdown with fellow champion Ilia Topuria.

UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping believes Ilia Topuria will eventually get his desired superfight with Islam Makhachev. UFC featherweight champion Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) is eager to move up to challenge lightweight champ Makhachev (27-1 MMA,