Laughing at his opponent's immediate title shot, Belal Muhammad states, "Islam stands nothing to gain in this upcoming battle against Ilya Topuria."

Here's the Bone, and It's a Doozy!

Illegal Topuria has his sights set on taking down reigning champ Makhachev, bragging that UFC has promised him the fight. Makhachev shot back at critics, reminding them of the flak he faced after taking down Volkanovski, claiming defeating another division rep wouldn't do much for his legacy.

UFC's own, welterweight king Muhammad, son of a gun, agrees with Makhachev and roasts those suggesting he's ducking anyone. Muhammad told MMA Fighting, "It's a crock! Folks ain't ready to give the Nurmagomedov crew their dues. They're just waiting for 'em to stumble."

Muhammad continued, "When Islam won a close one against Volkanovski, they said, 'He's weak... Couldn't finish, should've finished... he's just a featherweight.' And when he finally finished him, suddenly: 'Well, Volkanovski's just a featherweight... let him go back.' Now Topuria, who seems even smaller than Volkanovski, wants to move up in weight. If Islam wipes the floor with him, they'll say: 'He's just a featherweight, let him go back.' For Islam, there's nothing to gain in this fight."

Spicey rumors have Topuria gunning for UFC 317 during International Fight Week, ready to challenge for the lightweight title whether Makhachev is involved or not. Both scenarios sound like a joke to Muhammad.

Curious to Learn More?

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The Juicy Details:

The rumble between Topuria and Makhachev has folks talking, with fighters and analysts weighing in on the possibility of the showdown. Here's the lowdown:

Fighting Chance?

After abandoning his featherweight championship to step up to lightweight, Topuria is eyeing UFC 317 during International Fight Week (June 25–29, 2025) for a title fight. While Makhachev, the undisputed champ, seems the ideal opponent, UFC could opt for a vacant or interim title bout with Oliveira or Tsarukyan if Makhachev turns 'em down.

Key Viewpoints:

Mateusz Gamrot's Verdict: The #7 contender in the lightweight division thinks Topuria is "too small" for Makhachev, pointing out wrestling and size as deciding factors.
Topuria's Confidence: The Georgian-Spanish bruiser claims he has the upper hand in "everything" and plans to submit Makhachev with his signature choke near Khabib Nurmagomedov's corner during the fight.
Makhachev's Proposed Opponent: Despite Topuria's demands, Muhammad (welterweight champ) might be the next one up for Makhachev, according to discussions between Joe Rogan and Dana White.

Stakes and Style Clash:

Makhachev, ranked #1 pound-for-pound, reigns with Sambo-based grappling and endurance, while Topuria relies on powerful boxing and underestimated submission skills. A win for Topuria would make him a dual-division badass, but Makhachev's four-title defense streak against top-tier opponents makes him the favorite.

Logistical Obstacles:

Timing remains murky, as Makhachev hasn't yet confirmed his next fight. If Topuria battles Oliveira or Tsarukyan instead, it sets the stage for a title eliminator with implications for late 2025.

Bookmakers across the globe seem to agree with Makhachev's assessment that Topuria might be too small for the reigning lightweight champion, considering Makhachev's size advantage and exceptional wrestling skills.
Regardless of whether Makhachev agrees to face Topuria or fights for an interim title, Ilia Topuria has shown a remarkable amount of confidence, publicly stating his intention to submit Makhachev with his signature choke near Khabib Nurmagomedov's corner.
If Makhachev, the top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter, manages to defeat the challenged Topuria, he will likely face a new opponent, potentially Muhammad, UFC's welterweight king, in a potential stylistic clash that fans will eagerly anticipate.