Time is ticking, and the lightweight division waits for no one. Despite Dana White & Co.’s promise to reward Ilia Topuria with an immediate title shot after he vacated the featherweight belt, it appears Islam Makhachev and his team have other plans. The reigning lightweight champion seems in no hurry to welcome the former featherweight king into his world—despite Topuria’s stunning victories over two featherweight legends, Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.

Team Khabib, led by Islam Makhachev’s mentor and so-called “remote controller” Khabib Nurmagomedov, isn’t convinced that he has earned his stripes at 155 just yet. ‘the Eagle’, a purist when it comes to divisional hierarchy, appears to favor matchups against proven lightweights rather than crossover stars. During a candid conversation with Adam Zubayraev on YouTube, the former lightweight champ laid it out clearly:

“You see, all the guys who were at 145—even that same Holloway whom he beat—when they moved up to 155, they did nothing,” Khabib said. “That’s why we need to be smart—Islam doesn’t have much time left either. If you think about it, Islam’s going to be 34 soon. So Islam doesn’t want to fight Topuria, or Volkanovski, or someone stepping in on short notice like Moicano. He wants big names—guys who truly deserve it. Fighters who’ve spent years in the lightweight division. Nothing personal. But if you’re moving up in weight—earn it.”

Later in the interview, when asked to choose between Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria as the more competitive opponent for Islam, Khabib didn’t hesitate: “My personal opinion—not necessarily more dangerous, but more competitive—I think it’s Tsarukyan. I see Arman Tsarukyan as a more serious fighter than Ilia Topuria.”

Since dethroning Alexander Volkanovski to claim the featherweight crown in February last year, Ilia Topuria has been on a tear, building a legacy with every fight. He followed up with a dominant title defense at UFC 308, where he shattered Max Holloway’s legendary chin and sent a clear message to the division. With his sights set on greater challenges, Topuria had already decided to move up in weight—a move Dana White officially confirmed back in February.

Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan was originally slated to rematch Islam Makhachev at UFC 311, but had to withdraw due to an injury. However, behind the scenes, rumors started swirling that the real issue might’ve been a botched weight cut. Word is, Dana White didn’t take it well—allegedly furious enough to tell Tsarukyan he needed to “go back to the drawing board.”

Now, with both Topuria and Tsarukyan seemingly out of the running, the lightweight division is in a state of limbo. As for the top seven contenders at 155 pounds? Not one of them has a fight scheduled. If that doesn’t raise a red flag, what will? But there might just be a solution—and it could come from a UFC veteran who knows exactly how to step up in moments like this. Let’s dive into the possible fix for Dana White’s biggest lightweight headache.

UFC insider supports Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria fight, despite Khabib Nurmagomedov’s concerns

The lightweight division has hit a standstill, with reigning champion Islam Makhachev at the helm since 2023 and having successfully defended his title an impressive four times. Dana White and his team wanted Arman Tsarukyan in the title conversation. However, the Armenian’s last-minute withdrawal from UFC 311 caused a significant setback in the process. In February, Justin Gaethje entered the picture with a dominant victory over Rafael Fiziev, while last year, Charles Oliveira also made a push for a title shot after his win over Michael Chandler at UFC 309.

Adding to the mix is Ilia Topuria, who vacated his featherweight title to pursue a second belt in the lightweight division, further complicating the 155-pound picture. Amidst all this confusion, Daniel Cormier stepped forward last month with a potential solution for Dana White. Cormier suggested, “Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev. Yes. Book it. Gaethje vs. Tsarukyan. Book it. Whoever wins fights Makhachev. That’s it, right there. Topuria gets the shot. Tsarukyan, Gaethje. Winner gets the title fight. We’re back on track at 155.”

With all this chaos unfolding in the 155-pound division, what’s your take on Khabib Nurmagomedov’s stance? Do you believe Arman Tsarukyan has earned a title shot against Islam Makhachev over Ilia Topuria? Drop your thoughts below.