Ali Abdelaziz praised Ilia Topuria as one of the best talents in recent years, but emphasized that Islam Makhachev’s achievements set him apart. He highlighted Islam’s impressive 15-fight winning streak in the UFC and noted that Islam finished nine of his last ten fights.

The title was left vacant after Islam Makhachev opted to give it up in pursuit of a welterweight title fight against Jack Della Maddalena, which is seemingly being targeted for the end of the year.