Should Islam Makhachev take the Ilia Topuria fight? This question has been making rounds in the dark streets of the UFC. ‘El Matador’ relinquished his title to move up to the lightweight division, intending to clash with the champion. However, the Dagestani has laid down a challenge — Topuria must defeat a top contender before earning a title shot. But will Topuria agree to this? Maybe not. Amid the ongoing debate, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has stepped forward to share his thoughts on Makhachev’s decision.

While having a conversation on his YouTube channel, Aljamain Sterling emphasized that he does understand why Islam Makhachev is not keen on facing another featherweight when he has already defeated Alexander Volkanovski not once but twice. “I respect it. I mean, I don’t know if I agree but I definitely respect it. It’s his legacy you know, he wants to fight a fight at 155 that means something.”

He further added, “Him fighting another ’45er especially one that hasn’t done anything either. Yeah, he’s still one of the all-time greats at 145 in such a short amount of time, no one could dispute with what Ilia has done but I also understand why he [Makhachev] would be like this is not a fight that moves the needle for me.”

When asked about who should Islam Makhachev face for his next title shot, Sterling added, “What I really think for Islam, his next defense is a toss-up, it’s a coin flip. Justin Gaethje or Ilia Topuria, other than that there’s no clear [contender] at 155 and this is what happens when guys start knocking each other off.”  The lightweight division is the most stacked in the entire UFC. However, behind the bravado, there looms a lingering threat of stagnation.

The UFC has denied Arman Tsarukyan an immediate title fight, while both Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira are 1-1 in their last two fights. Additionally, Dustin Poirier is nearing retirement. Max Holloway could have been a contender for the lightweight title but his defeat against Ilia Topuria has made things worse for him. So, what’s next for the lightweight champion? Well, despite the hubbub, it appears that Dana White might put Islam Makhachev to the test.

Team Khabib looking at Justin Gaethje as next matchup for Islam Makhachev

After defeating Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313, Justin Gaethje took to his X handle to call out Dana White to give him a chance at the lightweight belt, “I won 3 out of my last 4, only losing in an exhibition fight. I have to fight for the belt. @danawhite I am ready.” ‘The Highlight’ is riding on a one-strike winning streak, however, he has been at the forefront for Islam Makhachev’s next battle and even Team Khabib believes it so.

While having a conversation with the media, legendary coach Javier Mendez shared his thoughts on who he believes would be the ideal challenger to put Islam Makhachev’s title reign to the test. “Fantastic, then it’s Justin Gaethje. We’ll focus on Justin Gaethje. That would be ideal for us, the perfect matchup based on the fact where his standing is and what he’s done. And he’s a big known guy and Islam hasn’t fought him so he’s perfect.”

He further added that Islam Makhachev vs Justin Gaethje would go very differently, “It definitely in my opinion would play out differently because [Khabib and Islam] are not the same fighter. They’re not the same fighter. Islam is more well-rounded than Khabib ever was. So, Islam is at the point where he’s pound-for-pound number one because he’s well-rounded in all the areas.”

With the confirmation from Javier Mendez himself, do you think the UFC will book the fight between the lightweight stalwarts? State your thoughts in the comments below.