“Islam (Makhachev) has already given chances. People criticize, saying, ‘Oh, he fought Volkanovski twice,’ but the UFC pushed that fight. The first one was great, but why does Islam need to give a third chance to the 145-pound champion? Why? It’s unfair to the 155-pound division,” said Khabib Nurmagomedov last year during a conversation with Henry Cejudo, discussing Ilia Topuria’s claim for a lightweight title shot against his mentee and close friend, Islam Makhachev.

The 155lbs kingpin is now preparing for his record-breaking fourth title defense against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311, headlining the event next week. Amid speculation about a potential fight between Islam Makhachev and 145lbs champ Ilia Topuria, the Dagestani native recently made it clear that he has no interest in facing “smaller” opponents like ‘El Matador’. On his latest appearance with Demetrious Johnson on his official YouTube channel, the champ shared his thoughts.

Makhachev told DJ, “Oh man, I’m tired of giving chances to small guys. I need my second belt. It’s nothing against him. He’s [Topuria] a good fighter, skilled, but I don’t want to give him a chance. I need a second belt. What’s the fight for? For me, it means nothing. Just his name. I don’t need his name; I need the belt.”

At the start of last year, the Dagestani was open to the idea of facing Topuria, much like he did with former champ Alexander Volkanovski. However, after his bouts with opponents perceived as smaller than him, such as Volkanovski, the Dagestani native faced criticism.

Now, at 33 years old, with his career nearing a potential shift, Islam Makhachev seems to be signaling the end of his time in the 155 lbs division, hinting at a possible move up to welterweight or middleweight. While he hasn’t fully ruled out a fight with

Ilia Topuria, the reigning champion has set one key condition. What could it be? Let’s scroll down to find out.

Islam Makhachev’s Only Condition for an Ilia Topuria Fight

Neither the money nor the pressure from UFC boss Dana White has been enough to persuade Islam Makhachev to put his lightweight title on the line against Ilia Topuria. So, what could make it happen? The answer seems to be ‘public demand’. Makhachev has already slayed Volkanovski twice—first at UFC 284, then at UFC 294—which has made him hesitant to fight someone from a lower-weight division, especially when he’s eyeing a two-division belt.

In a recent interview with Yuka MMA, Islam Makhachev explained why he was not keen on facing Topuria, stating, “We will fight if we need to. From a sports perspective, I’m not interested in Topuria. He fights in a different weight class. If I beat him, what do I get? I don’t win a belt. People will just say I beat a fighter from a lower weight class, and that’s it.” However, the reigning champion left the door open for the fight if there’s enough demand from fans, saying, “But if people want to see him lose, we can make it happen.”

With that said, now all eyes are on Islam Makhachev as he prepares to defend his lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan at the upcoming UFC 311. If he successfully retains his title, do you think he’ll be willing to risk it against Ilia Topuria within the same year? Share your thoughts below.