Khabib Nurmagomedov doesn’t believe Ilia Topuria is deserving of a lightweight title shot, but one UFC legend doesn’t agree.
‘El Matador’ is currently riding arguably the greatest two-fight win streak in UFC history, adding to his perfect 18-0 record in the sport. After knocking out two of the greatest featherweights of all time in back-to-back fights, the Georgian has decided to make a major change in his career.
Believing he has achieved everything he can at 145 lbs, Ilia Topuria opted to relinquish the featherweight strap and make his way to lightweight.
With his eyes firmly placed on a shot at gold in his new division, Topuria has oozed confidence in his callouts of Islam Makhachev.
Despite being considered one of the best active fighters in the sport, Khabib Nurmagomedov doesn’t think the 28-year-old deserves an instant title opportunity—but Michael Bisping has sided with Topuria.
Bisping discussed the situation on YouTube, disagreeing with Islam Makhachev’s team.
“The coach of Islam Makhachev, he doesn’t think that Topuria deserves a shot,” Bisping said.
“[Makhachev’s coach] said, ‘Without fighting anybody at 155 because Islam already gave a chance to people like that.’ He’s talking about [Alexander] Volkanovski, right?”
Bisping later referred to Khabib Nurmagomedov and refuted his comments toward Topuria.
“So Khabib Nurmagomedov came out and he said that he doesn’t think Topuria deserves the chance, not without proving himself first at 155—talking about Volkanovski.”
Related: Ilia Topuria speaks out for first time since vacating UFC featherweight title
Bisping continued.
“However, this is a different scenario. Topuria has moved up, okay. He’s abandoned 145, he’s up to 155 and I think he deserves a title fight. Simple as that.”
While many see Arman Tsarukyan as the rightful number one contender, Ilia Topuria would pose an interesting challenge to the lightweight king.
If Islam Makhachev is seeking fresh faces, as he has eluded to in the past, there is arguably no bigger challenge than a meeting with Topuria.
Listen to Michael Bisping’s thoughts on a potential Makhachev vs. Topuria clash below.
