Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Kamaru Usman Believes Islam Makhachev Should Fight Ilia Topuria Next!

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The last time we saw Islam Makhachev in action was back in January of 2025 where he defeated Renato Moicano for his fifth title defense fight. So far Makhachev is nearly undefeated in the UFC and has a near flawless record of 27-1-0. The reigning defending lightweight champ is a submission specialist and has won 13 fights via making his opponents tap out.

So far in his UFC career, apart from his one loss in the beginning stages, there has been no answers for the Dagestani. He’s fought some of the biggest names like Dustin Poirier, Volkanovski, Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, and many more, but they have all come short. So who should Islam fight next? After all, he’s pretty much ran through the entire lightweight division.

In comes Ilia Topuria, who’s also undefeated just like Islam. Topuria has vacated his featherweight title and now has his eyes set on the lightweight belt. Topuria and Makhachev have been beefing on the internet for a while and Ilia has even claimed that he can knockout the lightweight champ.

Also Read: Jean Silva’s Wish Granted As He Draws Controversial Featherweight Contender For Next Fight!

Islam, if I want to, I can finish you.if I want to, I can knock you out. I'll make it look easy. Se you soon 😉
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) January 19, 2025

Many fighters and fans have shared their thoughts on if Islam should take on Ilia for the lightweight belt. While some agree that it should happen, there are others who do not think it’s a good idea. Former UFC Welterweight champ also weighed in on who Makhachev should take on next. Let’s find out who that is.

Kamaru Usman believes Ilia Topuria should be next for the title fight against Makhachev

Former welterweight champ, Kamaru Usman, believes that Islam should fight Topuria next, for the belt. In his podcast, Pound 4 Pound, alongside Henry Cejudo, Usman said-

“Topuria, I believe is definitely next. You put him up there because Islam needs a new face and I honestly I believe this is the biggest fight that you can make for Islam and I think Islam deserves that.” He continued “Islam’s worked. He’s put time in. I believe he needs that big fight to put him there and I think this is the fight to put him there, to where he is a standalone champion… I like it, if you like it, let’s call the UFC and say hey let’s book it.”

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Shots fired by Islam Makhachev after Topuria’s move to the lightweight division!

Recently when Topuria moved to the lightweight division, Islam posted a cryptic message on social media which said “Someone needs to be put out,” with a selfie in front of a of fire extinguisher. We believe that the message might have been intended towards Topuria.

Islam Makhachev just posted a picture next to some fire extinguishers with the caption "someone needs to be put out" 🤔👀

(via. @MAKHACHEVMMA, h/t @MMA_PROS_PICK_) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/8XxymEISSZ
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 25, 2025

Has Dana White said anything about a possible showdown between the two?

While a lot of fans and Ilia himself wants this fight to happen, Dana White (President of UFC) is not sure if the fight will take place immediately. In a press conference when White was asked about if Topuria and Makhachev was the fight everybody should expect soon, he said that “there are other possibilities.”

This may mean that Topuria could be taking on some other lightweight contenders before he gets a shot at the belt.

Also Read: ‘It’s Going To Be A Rough Night’ – Belal Muhammad Warns Jack Della Maddalena Ahead Of UFC 315 Clash

Ilia Topuria

Islam Makhachev

Kamaru Usman

UFC

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