Islam Makhachev vacated his lightweight title to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight strap. But if Makhachev loses in his first trip to 170 pounds, he may be compelled to make his return to the 155-pound weight class.
Where he may need to work his way back to the lightweight crown.
That’s according to former featherweight kingpin Ilia Topuria, who battles Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title atop the UFC 317 fight card this weekend in Las Vegas. No question a victory for Topuria puts “El Matador” in the driver’s seat.
“If he loses I don’t give him anything,” Topuria told reporters (via Alvaro Colmenero). “If he loses, nothing. Let him get in line.”
Topuria also has no time for Arman Tsarukyan, currently ranked No. 1 at 155 pounds, based on the title fight fiasco that occurred when “Akhalkalakets” bailed on UFC 311. I don’t think this should come as any surprise from a champion who “says no to everyone.”
“I wouldn’t give him the chance immediately,” Topuria told NY Post. “He needs to win one more fight. He had the opportunity to fight for the title, he pulled out. I don’t know for what reasons but he pulled out, so he needs to win his shot again, against, I don’t know. Someone. There’s Justin Gaethje, Paddy Pimblett, many guys in the division that also deserve the shot. So they need to fight between each other.”
Naturally, none of this matters if Oliveira wins at UFC 317.
MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 317 fight card right RIGHT HERE, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches at 6:30 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining undercard balance on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, before the UFC 317 PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV.
To check out the latest and greatest UFC 317: “Topuria vs. Oliveira” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here. For the updated and finalized UFC 317 fight card and PPV lineup click here.
