Islam Makhachev believes that undefeated Movsar Evloev could topple the featherweight champion Ilia Topuria.
Topuria has used his new found fame and stardom to try move up to lightweight and take on undefeated Islam Makhachev. The Georgian born fighter won his belt defeating Alex Volkanovski back in February becoming the first featherweight to defeat the Australian. This new stardom has set off ripples in the MMA world causing Topuria to become a bonafide star in the process.
Since the bout Topuria has called out Islam for a bout at lightweight even taking jabs at him on his instagram story, posting his only ever defeat which Makhachev replied with a simple: “Another short guy talking”. Despite the constant calling for the fight from Topuria, Makhachev has suggested that he should focus on clearing out the division before making his way up.
Ilia Topuria Would Struggle With Evloev’s Style Says Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev explained his frustration with Topuria ‘talking about everyone’, saying that he should focus on Movsar Evloev because he is a ‘bad stylistic matchup’ for the champion. Although the pair are now at odds with each other Makhachev congratulated the featherweight champion after victory against Volkanovski posting “Congrats to the new champ Topuria, well done!”.
But Topuria isn’t the only one who is calling for the lightweight king as his trainer, Jorge Climent, has spoken to MMA Junkie about how the matchup is a dream for Topuria believing he can “bang him up”.
Neither Topuria or Makhachev have a scheduled fight on the calendar but with Topuria’s fame in Spain, after parading the belt around the Santiago Bernabeu, the UFC would be very interested to hold a fight in Spain.
On the other hand Makhachev has got multiple potential opponents at his own weight class with Dustin Porier, Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje all coming for the lightweight strap.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
