Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) vacated his featherweight title for a move up to 155 pounds. Makhachev previously stated that a fight with “another featherweight” in Topuria doesn’t interest him, and his manager Rizvan Magomedov wants to see “El Matador” in a title eliminator.

A UFC veteran backs Islam Makhachev’s take on Ilia Topuria, agreeing with his assessment: “He’s got a great point.”

Makhachev is the bigger fighter and cut significant weight to make the 155-pound limit. Topuria will also cut weight to make 155, but he will have a much easier process. Size matters much more in the UFC than in boxing, as the sport’s wrestling component is massive.

Henry Cejudo believes Ilia Topuria should receive a UFC lightweight title shot against Islam Makhachev in his first fight at 155 pounds.

Khabib Nurmagomedov suggests submission artist Charles Oliveira would be a fair fight for Ilia Topuria, favoring the featherweight champ in his lightweight debut. "If you move up and he beat somebody like Charles, of course [title shot]. I think Ilia can beat [Oliveira]," Nurmagomedov said.

Ilia Topuria will bid to become a two-weight champion against Islam Makhachev later this year. The featherweight champion won his first belt by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 last February. Ilia Topuria then spectacularly defended it by putting Max Holloway to sleep at UFC 308 in October.