Dana White’s announcement about Ilia Topuria’s move to lightweight was certainly a surprising one. The 155-pound division, often regarded as the UFC’s most stacked weight class, is now home to one of the most exciting talents in the sport. But El Matador was not there to test himself against just any contender, oh no. The soon-to-be former featherweight champion was eyeing a title clash with the champion. But the Dagestani kingpin wasn’t going to make it easy. Standing his ground, Islam Makhachev made his stance crystal clear: “Let him move up and earn his shot, and we’ll definitely fight.” 

Despite the delay, the Spanish-Georgian fighter is doing his part by sending out warnings to Makhachev. But what happens if the pair ever clashes inside the Octagon? UFC welterweight fighter Jorge Masvidal has already made a huge prediction before the clash takes place. As reported by Gamebred, Topuria was the hardest hitter in the division, harder than even Makhachev.

During a recent clip shared by Red Corner MMA on their Instagram page, the 40-year-old made some serious claims. He said, “His power? He hits harder than Islam. I’m telling you. He hits harder than almost every 55 er because a lot of it’s genetic. But his technique is legit along with his genetics that God gave him.” And now former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington has come up with his own prediction.

One of the reasons for Makhachev not wanting to fight Topuria is that he has already given two opportunities to Alexander Volkanovski, the former featherweight champion. However, Chaos pointed out that their first clash was pretty close while speaking to Tim Welch on his YouTube channel. He said,” I don’t know I think Topuria might upset him. I think he has the ability to upset him. That first Makhachev Volkanovski fight was really close. A lot of people thought Volkanovski won that fight. So you know I think the blueprint is out there for Makhachev.” 

Covington then pointed out how the champion’s fight against Dustin Poirier was really close. If El Matador approaches the fight with the same game plan he might just get the victory. Chaos further added, “And I didn’t think he looked that good in the last fight versus Dustin. I mean he looked beatable. He didn’t look like invincible. So you know I think that will be an interesting fight.”

Now Topuria isn’t the only one on the list; another fighter who is also waiting to fight the Dagestani champion is Charles Oliveira. However, the Brazilian’s coach feels it might be Ilia Topuria who gets the nod ahead of him.

Ilia Topuria’s move to the lightweight division was planned

Time has quietly flown by but there’s still no official word from Dana White on what the next big fight is in the 155-pound division. However, Charles Oliveira’s coach, Diego Lima, suspected that Ilia Topuria made a planned move to the division. According to him, Topuria wouldn’t have given up his featherweight title without a guarantee of a shot at lightweight gold.

But where does that leave the former champ and his future in the division? Do Bronx was originally set to face Islam Makhachev in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 294 but was forced to withdraw due to an eye injury.

According to Lima, he might just have to wait a bit longer for that important clash. While speaking to Alvaro Colmenro, he said, “Ilia Topuria hasn’t vacated the featherweight title without some compromise, without some advanced negotiation. I think Topuria only moves up to fight for the belt.” 

The same feeling was echoed by former UFC fighter Brendan Schaub. Schaub also speculated that the only reason for Topuria to make a move to the 155 division was because of a title shot. He said, “You think Ilia just said, ‘I’ll give up the belt and face anyone’? No way. I’m certain he made that move knowing he’s getting a shot at Islam,”. 

So, will it be El Matador who faces Islam Makhachev next for a title shot? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.