The uncertainty is killing us. Seriously. And it seems like the new and only way to speak around the UFC is through cryptic messages. Ilia Topuria’s manager, Malki Kawa, just added to the suspense, saying, “Until this date, no one has said that you’re not fighting for the title. So I’ll leave it there.” Okay, that sounds promising. But who actually thinks ‘La Leyenda’ should be fighting for the lightweight belt next?

Let’s welcome Michael Chandler. The man shared his two cents while with The Schmo. And his take? Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev could be the UFCs best move as of now. “The biggest fight they can make. I think him (Ilia) V. Islam would make the most business sense for the UFC.” the #7 lightweight contender said. “Champion and champion.” Of course, he immediately corrected himself. The Spaniard technically isn’t a champ anymore after vacating his featherweight title. But Chandler’s logic? Sound. From a business standpoint, it makes total sense. The outgoing champ is undefeated. Just knocked out two of the biggest names in featherweight history. And he’s already convinced himself he belongs at 155. That last part is important. Belief goes a long way in this sport, doesn’t it?

But let’s not forget, there are others in line. ‘Iron’ laid it out bluntly. “(Charles) Oliveira, obviously. You’ve got Arman (Tsarukyan) in there. You know, there’s like the Mateusz Gamrot-type situation inside that top. He is in the top five, top six, whatever. Dan Hooker, who just had to pull out of the (Justin) Gaethje fight with a broken hand. I don’t know, man.” Yeah, we don’t know either, Mike. But Tsarukyan, in particular, is a name worth mentioning. At least on paper. He’s the No. 1 contender. A rematch makes total sense. But the Armenian had his shot at UFC 311 and pulled out at the last minute with a back injury. And head honcho, Dana White? Not exactly in a charitable mood. And where does that leave him? Back in the line like everybody else.

Now, does the soon-to-be former champ deserve a title shot? That’s a different beast. Even Chandler hesitates, pointing out that “a guy coming up from a weight class” doesn’t just waltz into a championship fight, especially, when the current lightweight kingpin already played this game with Alexander Volkanovski. Twice. But then again, it’s the UFC. Rankings? Meritocracy? Cute concepts, but if the money’s good, they’re more of a ‘guideline’ than a rule.

Is Ilia Topuria deserving of a lightweight shortcut?

Now does Ilia Topuria have a fast pass to the UFC’s lightweight title? And if so, why? His manager, Malki Kawa, made it pretty clear. The weight cut was brutal. “The truth is that the weight cut is hard for him. It’s almost a 50-pound cut every time,” Kawa said on The Ariel Helwani Show. That’s not just extreme, that’s career-shortening. “You’re talking about fighting the best guys in the world. If you’re cutting all that weight, what you’re basically also doing is taking years off your fighting life.” Fair point. If the Spaniard wants longevity, moving up is a smart decision. But does that mean he should immediately fight for gold? That’s where the debate gets tricky.

And even Chandler can’t ignore the size factor. “It’s hard to say because a guy coming up from a weight class, I mean, he claims he’s up at 190 lbs outside a training camp. I don’t know if that’s necessarily true. I don’t think he’s as big as some of us lightweights.” But just when you think Chandler is shutting the door, he leaves it open. Just enough. Just a crack. “But the dude is absolutely skilled, and more importantly, he believes in himself, so I don’t know.”

Skills or not, here’s the thing. Islam Makhachev might not be thrilled about any of this. After back-to-back featherweight challengers, the last thing he probably wants is yet another former 145er knocking on his door. But hey, if it makes business sense, when has the UFC ever said no to that?

Meanwhile, Topuria himself is only adding fuel to the fire. “When we announce it, you won’t believe it,” he teased on X (formerly Twitter). “Get ready.” So, what exactly are we getting ready for? A Makhachev fight? A different top contender? Guess we’ll have to wait for the next cryptic message. What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!