Islam Makhachev’s mindset for potential Ilia Topuria clash stands apart from Jon Jones–Tom Aspinall saga, says analyst
Islam Makhachev last entered the octagon in January 2025, defeating Renato Moicano via first-round submission at UFC 311 to defend his lightweight title for a record-setting fourth time.
While there have been several fighters calling for the opportunity to challenge him next, reports have surfaced that Ilia Topuria could be in line to fight for the lightweight belt at UFC 317 during International Fight Week.
MMA analysts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell of the Morning Kombat podcast discussed rumors that Makhachev does not want to face the former featherweight champion. Comparing Makhachev's reluctance to fight Topuria due to 'La Leyenda' apparently not being a deserving contender with Jon Jones' comments on facing Tom Aspinall, Thomas said:
"Islam didn't sit active for years at a time and like hold a title hostage. I mean, he's been much more active so to me it's not the same kind of thing. Also, it's like, oh, a fighter said one thing at one point in their career and now they're saying a different thing at a different point in their career."
Check out the Morning Kombat podcast's full comments on Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria below (22:57):
Thomas speculated that Makhachev could only have a few fights left in his career. He noted that the lightweight champion may want to maximize his remaining fights without fighting another opponent who is coming up from featherweight.
Report suggests Islam Makhachev could be forced to vacate lightweight title
While Islam Makhachev has expressed interest in fighting for the welterweight title, he appears likely to wait for the result of next month's title bout between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena before making a decision. A recent report suggested that he could be forced to vacate his lightweight title, clearing the way for Ilia Topuria to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
Combat sports media outlet Championship Rounds took to X and shared the comments from mixed martial arts journalist Álvaro Colmenero, which read:
"Everything points to Islam Makhachev defending his belt against Topuria [at UFC 317]. Otherwise, he will have to vacate it so that [Topuria] can challenge for it against Oliveira." [via @KOlmeneroMMA]
Check out the post from Championship Rounds below:
Muhammad recently shared that he has way too much respect for Makhachev and his camp to face the lightweight champion. If he can get past Della Maddalena, that could solve a lot of the UFC's problems.
However, the promotion likely wants to begin promoting the International Fight Week headliner before waiting for the result of next month's UFC 315 matchup.