Undefeated UFC star Ilia Topuria has boldly positioned himself as the top contender for Islam Makhachev’s lightweight championship, directly challenging Khabib Nurmagomedov’s recent endorsement of Arman Tsarukyan.
The rising Georgian-Spanish phenom, who recently relinquished his featherweight title to move up a division, made his intentions clear in a fiery social media post.
“Khabib knows I’m the one to take the belt from Islam,” Topuria stated. “That’s the only reason he doesn’t want Islam to fight me.” His confidence stems from an impeccable resume: a flawless 6-0 record in the UFC, including a dominant lightweight victory over Jai Herbert and back-to-back knockout wins over former champions Alexander Volkanovski (UFC 298) and Max Holloway (UFC 308). Notably, Topuria became the first fighter to finish Holloway via strikes and the first to defeat Volkanovski in a featherweight bout.
Ilia Topuria says he would NOT fight a #1 contender fight, and only wants the title shot:
“I don’t care if Islam decides he doesn’t want to fight me. I’ll sit until you’re gonna have to fight me…
I’m here. You can’t keep avoiding me.”
🎥 @joeroganpic.twitter.com/KJoUpqEjaR
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 16, 2025Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan, once considered the next logical challenger, saw his opportunity fade after withdrawing from UFC 311 due to a back injury. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that Tsarukyan must now “fight back” into contention, leaving the door open for Topuria’s claim.
Read: Ilia Topuria Eyes Islam Makhachev as Next Opponent Post-UFC 308
The lightweight title picture could shift further depending on Makhachev’s plans. The reigning champion has expressed interest in moving up to welterweight for a chance at double-champ status, but has hesitated out of respect for current titleholder Belal Muhammad. Should Jack Della Maddalena pull off an upset against Muhammad at UFC 315, Makhachev may pursue the welterweight belt, potentially vacating the lightweight throne or setting up an interim title fight.
