If things don’t work out for Islam
Makhachev in his venture to welterweight, he won’t have an
immediate title shot waiting for him in the lightweight
division.

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At least, that’s how it will be if Ilia
Topuria has a say in the championship pecking order. “El
Matador” will face Charles
Oliveira for the vacant 155-pound strap at UFC 317
on June 28. Makhachev vacated the belt to pursue a title shot
against Jack
Della Maddalena at 170 pounds. A date for that fight has not
yet been confirmed.

“You know from the beginning, he wanted to give the impression that
he had some sort of decision,” Topuria said during a recent press
conference. “He also said about a week ago ‘My move up to
welterweight isn’t going to matter because I’m not planning on
vacating my title.’ You remember that right? And I had said before
that, I didn’t move up to lightweight to ask anyone for anything
and that I was the one in charge.

“So who got their way, who did what they said? As always, him or
me? So after this fight when I have the belt, he can get in line,
which is a long one and someone’s eyes will be shining.”

Makhachev didn’t seem enthused about the possibility of facing
Topuria when the featherweight champion initially announced his
plans to move up. The Dagestani standout also stated on social
media that he didn’t plan on vacating the lightweight belt.
However, it appears that the promotion was not going to allow
Makhachev to hold up the lightweight division while he pursued a
title in another weight class.

IMAK ADMIN

By IMAK ADMIN

Internationaler Kampfkunst und Kampfsport Kleinanzeiger