Ilia Topuria aims to face Islam Makhachev after claiming UFC lightweight title

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria affirms his determination to face Islam Makhachev — a fighter now preparing to challenge for the welterweight title against Jack Della Maddalena later this year.

The possibility of this matchup has increased since Topuria claimed the championship — though everything depends on the outcome of Makhachev’s fight against Della Maddalena.

“At a certain point after knocking out Oliveira, I felt a bit sad because I didn’t want to fight him from the beginning,” Topuria told TMZ.

Topuria acknowledges his reluctance to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 — given their good relationship, previously often seen chatting and embracing.