Umar Nurmagomedov claims UFC tried to push Islam Makhachev to move up for Ilia Topuria’s 155 takeover
Umar Nurmagomedov recently stated that the UFC made deliberate efforts to persuade Islam Makhachev to move up to the welterweight division.
About a month ago, UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell visited Dagestan to meet Makhachev. According to Nurmagomedov, during the visit, Campbell acted as a representative, advocating for the former UFC lightweight champion's transition to welterweight. As a result, Ilia Topuria could potentially become the face of the 155-pound division.
While speaking in a recent video on Adam Zubayraev's YouTube channel, Nurmagomedov claimed:
"[Hunter Campbell] came to see Islam [Makhachev]... They wanted Islam to move up. They want to make Topuria the champ at 155 [pounds weight class]. Not because Islam wants to move up, but because they want [Topuria] to be the champ there. They believe [Topuria] can really sell fights."
Check out Umar Nurmagomedov's comments below (29:09):
After vacating the UFC lightweight title, Makhachev is now linked with a potential fight against welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena.
When Umar Nurmagomedov drew comparisons between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria
Since becoming the UFC featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria desired a fight against Islam Makhachev. However, Umar Nurmagomedov was not pleased with the matchup.
In an interview with Submission Radio last year, Nurmagomedov made comparisons between Makhachev and 'El Matador', saying:
"[Topuria] just became champion. You have to defend your title a couple [of] times. Even one time. Please, stay focused on your division. [Topuria has] Movsar [Evloev], Aljamain Sterling on the way. He has right now Max Holloway... This game [has] levels. They have levels, and he's not on Islam [Makhachev's] level. He's too small."
Check out Umar Nurmagomedov's comments below (12:43):
Topuria has since successfully defended his UFC featherweight title against Max Holloway before moving to the lightweight division. He is now scheduled to face Charles Oliveira for the vacant 155-pound championship at the headliner bout of UFC 317 on June 28.