Islam Makhachev has once again addressed the growing speculation surrounding a potential fight with Ilia Topuria, but this time, he made his stance even clearer.
While fans continue to debate whether the two champions will ever meet inside the Octagon, Makhachev has laid out a single condition under which the fight could happen.
The UFC welterweight champion has no plans to return to lightweight, no interest in chasing another belt, and no intention of clearing a path for Topuria.
Instead, Makhachev says the responsibility is entirely on Topuria’s shoulders if he truly wants the fight.
If Topuria wants the matchup, he must move up to welterweight.
Makhachev’s Message Is Simple: He’s Not Going Back to Lightweight
Since moving up to 170 pounds and winning the welterweight title from Jack Della Maddalena, Makhachev has made it clear that his lightweight chapter is closed.
When asked whether he would consider dropping back down to face Topuria, his answer was firm and unambiguous.
“For what? I had the belt at lightweight. No one beat me there. For a belt? That’s not interesting to me.”
From Makhachev’s point of view, there is nothing left to prove at 155 pounds. He won the title, defended it, and vacated the division without a loss.
Returning would mean a difficult weight cut with no meaningful reward, especially for a fight he believes has not been earned.
He reinforced that position by saying he has no intention of ever going back.
“I’ve already been the lightweight champion, and I’m definitely not going back down.”
The Ultimatum: Topuria Must Move Up
While Makhachev has consistently dismissed the idea of moving down, he did leave the door slightly open, but only on his terms. Speaking to MatchTV, Makhachev delivered a clear ultimatum.
“If Ilia wants to move up, then welcome. He can move up because he has nothing to lose by moving up.”
This statement shifts the entire conversation. Makhachev is not refusing the fight outright, he is simply refusing to compromise his position.
If Topuria believes he deserves a fight with the welterweight champion, then he must prove it by stepping into Makhachev’s division.
From Makhachev’s perspective, the risk heavily favors Topuria. Moving up would give Topuria a chance at a historic win with minimal downside, while Makhachev has everything to lose by cutting weight unnecessarily.
Why Makhachev Believes Topuria Hasn’t Earned the Fight Yet
Despite Topuria’s growing popularity and recent success, Makhachev remains unconvinced that the lightweight contender has done enough.
Even though Topuria defeated Charles Oliveira, Makhachev believes one big win does not justify skipping the rest of the division.
“He hasn’t proven anything in lightweight yet. He’s got a lot of work to do there.”
Lightweight remains one of the deepest divisions in the UFC, filled with elite contenders who are actively competing for top positions.
In Makhachev’s eyes, Topuria still has unfinished business before calling out champions from higher weight classes.
Unfinished Business at Lightweight
Makhachev specifically pointed to Arman Tsarukyan as a fighter Topuria must deal with.
“Arman Tsarukyan is calling him out every day, asking to fight.”
Tsarukyan has been vocal, persistent, and widely viewed as one of the most dangerous contenders in the division.
A fight between Topuria and Tsarukyan would answer many questions about who truly belongs at the top of lightweight.
In addition, UFC 324 features a major lightweight clash between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje.
According to Makhachev, the winner of that fight will also be a strong name Topuria must address if he wants to strengthen his résumé.
These are the fights Makhachev believes matter, not speculative superfights.
Topuria’s Win Over Oliveira Isn’t the End of the Story
There is no denying that defeating Charles Oliveira is a major achievement. Oliveira is a former champion and one of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history.
However, Makhachev does not see that win as a golden ticket to a welterweight superfight.
In his view, lightweight contenders must prove consistency, not just peak moments. Clearing out the division means defeating multiple elite fighters, not just one.
This mindset reflects how Makhachev himself climbed the rankings. He did not receive shortcuts or fast-tracked opportunities. Instead, he built his career through discipline, patience, and dominance.
Why Makhachev Won’t Chase Another Belt
One of the most interesting parts of Makhachev’s comments is his lack of interest in becoming a multi-division belt collector.
Unlike fighters who chase legacy through multiple titles, Makhachev appears focused on meaningful competition rather than accolades.
“For a belt? That’s not interesting to me.”
For him, the challenge lies in defending his current title and competing against the best welterweights in the world. The idea of returning to lightweight, especially for a fight he doesn’t see as justified, holds no appeal.
Topuria’s Advantage If He Moves Up
Makhachev also explained why moving up would make sense for Topuria.
“He has nothing to lose by moving up.”
If Topuria steps into welterweight and loses, his reputation at lightweight remains intact. If he wins, he instantly becomes one of the biggest stars in the sport. The risk-reward balance clearly favors the challenger.
For Makhachev, however, the situation is the opposite. He risks his title, his momentum, and his legacy, all while giving up the physical advantages he gained by moving to 170 pounds.
Welterweight Challenges Await Makhachev
While fans speculate about future superfights, Makhachev has plenty of business to handle at welterweight. The division is filled with elite contenders who are actively campaigning for title shots.
Potential challengers include Belal Muhammad, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Colby Covington, and Leon Edwards.
Each presents a unique challenge, and each has done more within the welterweight division than Topuria has.
Makhachev’s focus remains on defending his belt against fighters who have earned their position at 170 pounds.
Topuria’s Path Forward
If Topuria truly wants a fight with Makhachev, the roadmap is now clear:
- Continue winning at lightweight against top contenders like Tsarukyan.
- Build a dominant streak that removes any doubt about his status.
- Or move up to welterweight, as Makhachev suggested, and accept the challenge on Makhachev’s terms.
Until then, the welterweight champion sees no reason to entertain the idea further.
Confidence vs. Credentials
Topuria’s confidence has played a major role in his rise, but Makhachev operates on a different wavelength. His approach is based on credentials, consistency, and proven dominance, not hype or callouts.
While Topuria talks about legacy fights, Makhachev focuses on what fighters have actually accomplished inside the cage. That difference in mindset explains why this matchup remains unlikely in the near future.
Conclusion: The Door Is Open, But Only One Way
Islam Makhachev has not slammed the door shut on fighting Ilia Topuria, but he has clearly defined the only path forward.
If Topuria wants the fight, he must move up to welterweight.
Makhachev will not return to lightweight. He will not chase another belt. And he will not reward unfinished business with a shortcut.
Until Topuria proves himself further or accepts the challenge at 170 pounds, this matchup will remain a topic of debate rather than reality.
For now, the message is clear:
The champion is waiting, but only on his terms.