The relationship between 155lbs and Dana White in 2025 is something that can only be described as a headache that every promoter loves. The most vaunted division in the UFC is brimming with killers ranging from veterans to young blood and capped off by a dominant champion at the very top. A perfect recipe for that sweet cash! And with the soon-to-be former 145lbs kingpin Ilia Topuria moving up and trying his luck in these shark-infested waters, the title picture is hotter than ever. However, his arrival hasn’t been met with open arms by Islam Makhachev.
For the unversed, the Dagestani wants ‘El Matador’ to prove his worth as a legit 155fer by slugging it out against a top contender before getting to the crown. According to Makhachev’s team, “Islam has not agreed to this fight. He believes Topuria needs to earn a title shot at 155 first.” We last saw the lightweight king in action at UFC 311 more than two months ago. So, what’s next?
Will it be former champion Charles Oliveira who is waiting to get his hands on the title again? Or could it be Justin Gaethje who got back into the title mix after a dominating outing at UFC 313? Will it be Arman Tsarukyan and his replenished spirit after the Armenian was forced to miss out on his shot in January? Or will it be the wildcard in the form of Topuria whose only aim is to take out the champion? Interesting times!
Amidst the hubbub, former UFC dual-champion Daniel Cormier feels that the Spanish-Georgian should get the nod to fight the Dagestani juggernaut. ‘DC’ took to his ‘Good Guy/ Bad Guy’ podcast and shared his honest opinion on the whole situation. While speaking to Chael Sonnen he said:
“I think Topuria should get an opportunity. Because I wouldn’t want to waste it. We keep talking about Topuria, you and I [Chael]. And I think the sentiment that we share with each other is what most feel. He’s a good-looking kid! He seems to have that star quality. He has a country behind him with Spain. You don’t want to waste it because those guys are dangerous. Oliveira is dangerous, Tsarukyan is dangerous and everybody’s dangerous. You may want to put him in that title fight because you don’t want to waste the opportunity. Because what if he doesn’t get there because one of the other guys beats him.”
January 18, 2025, Inglewood, California, USA: ISLAM MAKHACHEV 27-1-0 of Makhachkala, Russia defeats RENATO MOICANO 20-6-1 of Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil by submission DÃââ Arce choke at 4:05 of round 1 during UFC 311 at the Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California Inglewood USA – ZUMAo117 20250118_zsp_o117_045 Copyright: xMikaelxOnax
As mentioned before, the arrival of Topuria to lightweight isn’t going to be smooth. This was evident when ‘Do Bronx’ issued a stern warning to the Spanish-Georgian while making it clear that he wanted a piece of the Dagestani.
“Whoever I get told to fight, I’m going to fight. I have nothing but respect for Ilia Topuria, but this is lightweight. It’s the most difficult division you have ever seen and I have power in my hands. I believe in my Jiu-Jitsu, but I believe that I could knock Ilia Topuria out.” Oliveira told Bloody Elbow regarding Topuria last week.
More recently, he stated in an interview with Alvaro Colenero: “I’m looking for a title, and today, that champion is Islam Makhachev. Topuria is a very tough guy, and he deserves all the respect in the world, but right now, I don’t see it as a big fight. If I’m looking for a title, well, I have to fight Makhachev in order to win and become the champion again.” And ‘El Matador’ returned the favor in kind!
Ilia Topuria issues a warning to Charles Oliveira and other 155fers
Former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira chimed in, warning that the soon-to-be former featherweight champion would struggle against his “power” and “jiu-jitsu.” However, if there’s one thing Topuria won’t do, it’s sit back and let his rivals talk without a response. The 28-year-old quickly fired back at Oliveira on X, reminding him of his past setbacks.
“Charles, it’s better if you stay quiet. You have 10 losses: 5 by knockout, 4 by submission, and 1 by decision.” He further added, “You are the contender, while I am the champion, the father of the entire division. I haven’t come here to ask anything. Here, I am the one in charge.”
But the Brazilian isn’t the only one doubting Topuria’s ability to dominate a new division. Enter Paddy Pimblett! In a recent interview, Pimblett didn’t hold back, saying, “I want that fight. Just to prove everybody wrong with me. And he’s a little midget guy. He’s not a lightweight. He shouldn’t be fighting a lightweight. He should have stayed at featherweight. It’s going to be his downfall.”
While Islam Makhachev has shown little interest in fighting the Georgian-Spaniard juggernaut, it seems inevitable that their paths will cross. Whether Makhachev acknowledges the challenge or not, one thing is clear—Topuria has declared war. Who do you think ‘El Matador’ will face next in his career? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
The post Daniel Cormier Backs Ilia Topuria Despite Islam Makhachev’s Rejection Citing Dana White’s Unwillingness to ‘Waste’ Opportunity appeared first on EssentiallySports.