“What’s up, everybody.” With his signature Instagram Live introduction, UFC head honcho Dana White once again sent shockwaves through the MMA world. This time, it was by granting the long-standing request of featherweight kingpin Ilia Topuria to move up to 155 lbs. “So Topuria will be moving up to 155 lbs,” White confirmed, setting the potential stage for a blockbuster showdown between ‘El Matador’ and reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. The announcement was enough to set the fight community ablaze, as few expected such a massive move to happen this soon.

But why the surprise? After all, Topuria has only defended his featherweight title once—against Max Holloway. However, considering he also dethroned former champion Alexander Volkanovski last year—two GOAT-tier, veteran fighters in the division, the Georgian-Spaniard realized that “he’s done all he can in that division.” Meanwhile, on the other side, the Dagestani juggernaut has been on a tear since taking the reins from his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov. A record four lightweight title defenses is a testament to that! Moreover, adding a fifth ruby to his already illustrious resume would be an enticing prospect.

Many believe his reign at 155 lbs is nearing its conclusion as well, with Makhachev himself hinting at a move to welterweight, stating that he “doesn’t see much competition left” in the lightweight division. Moreover, the Dagestani has made it his mission in life to not leave the sport with a second strap glued to his waist.

With fans now in a frenzy, the big question remains—when will Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria take place? According to renowned MMA reporter Kevin Iole, the fight is slated to happen sometime in the middle of the year. Iole also claimed that this highly anticipated clash “would be the biggest non-Conor McGregor fight UFC has ever put on.” Could it even surpass the legendary Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov showdown at UFC 229, which earned a reported $180 million from the record 2.4 million pay-per-view sales? Only time will tell.

Although the UFC has yet to announce an official date, ‘El Matador’ has already set his sights on becoming a two-division champion. Meanwhile, just hours ago, Ilia Topuria took to Instagram, posting a photo of himself sitting on a throne, flanked by the Spanish and Georgian flags, with his belt in hand. His caption? “Not like us”—a lyric from Kendrick Lamar’s diss track aimed at Drake.

The Georgian-Spaniard certainly embraces the “King” persona, but not everyone is on board with his aspirations. While some fans stand behind his bold move, others strongly disagree. The debate is heating up! Let’s take a closer look at how the Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria rivalry is already dividing the MMA world.

Fans react to Ilia Topuria’s shocking move to the lightweight division

Few could have predicted that in less than four years, a preliminary undercard fighter from 2021 would rise to become a UFC champion, defend his title, and then vacate it by 2025. Topuria’s rapid ascent has been nothing short of extraordinary. A meteoric rise reminiscent of the Conor McGregor era. With the Irishman on an indefinite hiatus, many fans view ‘El Matador’ as his natural successor. However, Chael Sonnen argues that Topuria isn’t just another McGregor replica but rather a superior version—“a good guy” following a more respectable path.

But when it comes to facing Islam Makhachev, skepticism looms. The Dagestani native hasn’t lost a fight since 2016, and many believe his dominance is unshakable. One fan even warned Ilia Topuria, commenting, “Beating Islam is just not possible, dude,” reinforcing the aura of invincibility surrounding the Dagestani champion.

Yet, is Makhachev truly untouchable? Just last month, Topuria’s fellow Georgian, Merab Dvalishvili, shattered the narrative of Dagestani invincibility by ending Umar Nurmagomedov’s 18-fight unbeaten streak. The Georgian-Spaniard acknowledged the significance of that moment, stating, “This is what happens when Dagestani wrestling meets Georgian wrestling.” Despite this, many still doubt ‘El Matador’s ability to dethrone Makhachev. Another fan issued a stark warning: “You’ve made the biggest mistake of your career. I’ve watched every single one of your fights, and you cannot beat Islam.”

However, not everyone shares this sentiment. Some believe that if Topuria even has a slight chance of defeating Makhachev, he “will easily become the GOAT.” In just under four years, he has already taken out some of the greatest featherweights, including Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 and Max Holloway at UFC 308. This belief was echoed by another fan, who urged ‘El Matador’ to “end Islam once and for all.”

Initially, Makhachev dismissed the idea of fighting the “smaller” Topuria, pointing out that he had already beaten Volkanovski twice last year—wins that were criticized since the Aussie was moving up from a lower weight class. However, the 155lbs champ later left the door open for a potential fight, on the condition that Topuria first defend his featherweight title two or three more times.

With Dana White now approving Ilia Topuria’s move to lightweight, some fans believe Makhachev may not be as prepared as he claims. One fan even speculated, “Islam Makhachev is not ready.” After all, Topuria is widely regarded as a well-rounded and dangerous fighter. Another fan predicted a historic moment in the making, declaring, “You are making history in the UFC.”

What do you think about Georgian-Spaniard’s move to the lightweight division? Does he have what it takes to dethrone Islam Makhachev? If these two champions face off in the UFC, who would you bet on? Share your thoughts below!