Topuria Won Lightweight Gold, Then Lost to Gaethje
Ilia Topuria’s 2025 demand for a lightweight title fight eventually led to a championship opportunity. He knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in June 2025 to win the vacant belt, then lost it to Justin Gaethje by fourth-round corner stoppage at UFC Freedom 250 in June 2026.
Former UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria (16-0, 8-0 UFC) has made it clear—he will not fight anyone unless it’s for the UFC lightweight championship. After vacating his 145-pound title, Topuria has set his sights on Islam Makhachev (27-1, 16-1 UFC), the reigning lightweight king.
Topuria’s decision to sit out comes after Makhachev expressed reluctance to fight him immediately. The Dagestani champion has hinted at prioritizing a rescheduled bout with Arman Tsarukyan or a potential clash with Justin Gaethje, rather than granting Topuria an instant title shot.
Speaking on the Joe Rogan Podcast, Topuria dismissed the idea of taking a No. 1 contender fight, stating, “I don’t care if Islam decides he doesn’t want to fight me. I’ll sit until you’re gonna have to fight me… I’m here. You can’t keep avoiding me.”
Topuria’s confidence stems from his dominant performances at featherweight, where he knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to win the title and later defended it with a brutal stoppage of Max Holloway. His striking power and grappling skills make him a dangerous opponent for Makhachev, but the lightweight champion’s camp remains unconvinced.
Makhachev’s team has argued that Topuria needs to prove himself at 155 pounds before earning a title shot. UFC CEO Dana White has yet to confirm Makhachev’s next opponent, leaving the lightweight division in limbo.
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