Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) vacated his featherweight title for a move up to 155 pounds. Makhachev previously stated that a fight with “another featherweight” in Topuria doesn’t interest him, and his manager Rizvan Magomedov wants to see “El Matador” in a title eliminator.

A UFC veteran backs Islam Makhachev’s take on Ilia Topuria, agreeing with his assessment: “He’s got a great point.”

Makhachev is the bigger fighter and cut significant weight to make the 155-pound limit. Topuria will also cut weight to make 155, but he will have a much easier process. Size matters much more in the UFC than in boxing, as the sport’s wrestling component is massive.

Henry Cejudo believes Ilia Topuria should receive a UFC lightweight title shot against Islam Makhachev in his first fight at 155 pounds.