Ilia Topuria is a rising star in the world of MMA, but he finds himself in a difficult position. After vacating his featherweight title, he had his sights set on an immediate lightweight title shot. However, his plans have hit a roadblock as his fellow countryman, Islam Makhachev, has other options in mind. This has left Topuria in a tough spot, but there are still plenty of exciting fights for him to take on.
Topuria’s decision to vacate his featherweight title was a bold move, but it was also a calculated one. He had his eyes set on the lightweight division, and with his impressive record of 11-0, he felt ready to take on the best in the division. However, his plans were quickly derailed when Makhachev, who is currently ranked #5 in the lightweight division, rejected the idea of a title fight with Topuria.
Makhachev’s decision is understandable, as he has been patiently waiting for his own shot at the lightweight title. He has been on a six-fight win streak and has proven himself to be a top contender in the division. It’s only natural that he would want to face the champion, Charles Oliveira, for the title rather than taking on a rising star like Topuria.
But this rejection has left Topuria in a tough spot. He had his heart set on a title shot, and now he must look for other options. Luckily, there are still plenty of exciting fights for him to take on, and here are three potential matchups that could be just as thrilling as a title fight.
Firstly, Topuria could take on another top contender in the lightweight division, Justin Gaethje. Gaethje is currently ranked #2 in the division and is known for his explosive fighting style. A matchup between him and Topuria would be a clash of two aggressive fighters, and it would surely be a fight that fans would love to see. It would also be a great opportunity for Topuria to prove himself against a top-ranked opponent and solidify his position in the division.
Another option for Topuria could be a move up to welterweight for a second belt. This would be a bold move, but it could pay off for the Spaniard. He has shown his versatility in the octagon and has the skills to compete in the welterweight division. This move would also open up a whole new set of opponents for Topuria, including the current welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman. A fight between these two would be a massive draw for fans and could potentially make Topuria a two-division champion.
Lastly, Topuria could take on a rematch with his only loss in his professional career, Magomedrasul Khasbulaev. The two faced off in 2018, and Khasbulaev came out on top with a unanimous decision. However, Topuria has grown and improved since then, and a rematch would be a chance for him to avenge his loss and prove that he is a different fighter now. It would also be a great opportunity for both fighters to showcase their skills and put on an exciting fight for the fans.
In conclusion, while Topuria’s plans for an immediate lightweight title shot may have been put on hold, there are still plenty of exciting fights for him to take on. Whether it’s facing another top contender in the division, moving up to welterweight for a second belt, or seeking a rematch with his only loss, Topuria has the skills and determination to succeed in any of these matchups. He may be between a rock and a hard place right now, but with his talent and determination, he will surely find a way to come out on top.
