UFC President Dana White doesn’t need to see Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev simply but.
‘El Matador’ is ready to return to the octagon in the principle occasion of UFC 308 this Saturday evening. Again for the primary time since profitable featherweight gold in opposition to Alexander Volkanovski in February, Ilia Topuria will face Max Holloway. ‘Blessed’ earned the title alternative with a knockout win over Justin Gaethje in April.
Forward of the competition, each featherweights have teased a transfer to light-weight. For his half, Ilia Topuria has repeatedly teased a battle in opposition to Islam Makhachev. As of now, the Russian is anticipated to face Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch in January at UFC 311. Makhachev beforehand defeated the Armenian contender by unanimous determination in 2017.
For what it’s price, the light-weight champion has additionally proven curiosity in dealing with Ilia Topuria prior to now. Nonetheless, one factor is for certain: The battle gained’t be occurring anytime quickly. Talking in a current interview with TMZ Sports activities, Dana White was requested a few potential Topuria vs. Makhachev bout.
RELATED: DANA WHITE REVEALS HE’LL “ABSOLUTELY” APPROVE ISLAM MAKHACHEV WELTERWEIGHT TITLE SHOT WITH WIN OVER ARMAN TSARUKYAN
Dana White is NOT a fan of reserving Ilia Topuria vs Islam Makhachev after #UFC308 😬
“That is [Ilia’s] first title protection… there’s loads of challenges for him at 145 [lbs].”
🎥 @TMZ_Sports #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/ULcnbTxbJc
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 25, 2024
UFC President Dana White reacts to speak of Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev
There, the promoter shot down the thought. Whereas Ilia Topuria believes {that a} light-weight bout in opposition to Islam Makhachev is sensible, Dana White disagrees. Within the UFC President’s eyes, it’s far too quickly for the featherweight to maneuver up. Particularly contemplating his bout in opposition to ‘Blessed’ is his first title protection.
“That is his first title protection, haha.” UFC President Dana White said to TMZ Sports activities when requested about Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev. “That is his first title protection. Earlier than we begin speaking about guys shifting as much as different weight courses, I really like [when they clear out the division].”
He continued, “While you take a look at Max Holloway, when he moved up, he had worn out all the division. He was one of the best 145-pounder, blah blah blah. Then Volkanovski [did the same]. There’s loads of challenges for him at 145 [pounds].”
What do you make of those feedback from Dana White? Do you need to see Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev?
