Khabib Nurmagomedov Speaks Out, Ruining Islam Makhachev’s Bold Plan with Ilia Topuria. What is the truth behind it?

The UFC lightweight division is on the verge of a new shakeup, but a potential superfight might be hitting an unexpected roadblock—none other than the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov. With Ilia Topuria recently vacating his UFC featherweight title and officially moving up to lightweight, many fans assumed a title fight against reigning champion Islam Makhachev was imminent. However, new reports suggest that Khabib, acting as a mentor and strategic voice behind Makhachev’s career, is not in favor of granting Topuria an immediate shot at the 155-pound crown. The ripple effect of this decision could reshape the title picture and dictate the UFC’s matchmaking in the coming months. So, why is Khabib against this bout, and who will Makhachev fight next?

Topuria’s Bold Move and the Immediate Title Shot Debate

Ilia Topuria shocked the MMA world by defeating Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 and capturing the featherweight championship. However, rather than staying to defend his newly won title, Topuria made the stunning choice to vacate and move up to the lightweight division, claiming that the UFC had promised him an immediate title shot at 155 pounds. This ambition is consistent with the modern era of UFC stars looking to build legacy-defining resumes by conquering multiple weight classes. For Topuria, challenging Makhachev would be a chance to become a two-division champion while he’s still undefeated—a feat that would catapult him into superstardom. But that opportunity now appears to be on hold, at least for the moment, due to pushback from Makhachev’s camp—specifically from Khabib.

Khabib’s Perspective: Protecting the Division’s Integrity

According to former UFC double champion Henry Cejudo, Khabib Nurmagomedov is not on board with allowing Topuria to bypass the entire lightweight rankings and receive an instant title shot. Speaking in an interview with MMA journalist Mike Bohn, Cejudo revealed that Khabib expressed frustration over what he viewed as an unfair shortcut. “Khabib said, ‘It’s not fair for Ilia to skip the line and go straight to a title shot. Islam had to earn everything. He even gave Volkanovski two title shots. Why should Topuria get special treatment?’” Cejudo added that while Islam Makhachev is a true champion who’s willing to fight anyone, the ultimate call might rest with Khabib, who holds significant influence over his training and career trajectory. This philosophical stance aligns with the traditionalist view that contenders should climb the rankings, defeat top opponents, and earn their shot at the belt. But in the UFC’s current era of entertainment-driven matchups, that stance may clash with promotional priorities and fan expectations.

Islam Makhachev next fight options: Gaethje, Oliveira, or Topuria?

With Khabib seemingly blocking a direct path for Topuria, the question now becomes: Who will Islam Makhachev fight next? The options are compelling but complicated. After Justin Gaethje’s impressive win over Rafael Fiziev, many viewed him as the logical next contender. Makhachev’s team even referred to Gaethje as the “ideal opponent” during recent interviews. Gaethje’s aggressive style and highlight-reel finishes have made him a fan favorite, and his resume—along with recent performances—may earn him another title opportunity. Another possibility is a rematch with Charles Oliveira, whom Makhachev previously defeated at UFC 280. The rivalry between the two has reignited in recent months, especially after Oliveira made it clear that he still wants to reclaim his spot at the top. However, Oliveira is reportedly uninterested in fighting Ilia Topuria in a non-title bout, signaling his eyes remain firmly on Makhachev and the championship gold. That leaves Topuria in an awkward position. Despite his claims that the UFC promised him a shot, the politics within the sport—and Khabib’s strategic resistance—may force him to take a different route to the top.

The Politics of Power: How Much Influence Does Khabib Have?

The influence Khabib Nurmagomedov wields in MMA cannot be overstated. As an undefeated former champion, he commands immense respect not only from fans but also from UFC executives, trainers, and fighters. Since retiring in 2020, he has remained active in the sport as a coach and mentor, particularly guiding the careers of Islam Makhachev and other fighters from Dagestan. His word carries weight—and when Khabib speaks, the MMA world listens. This influence raises an important question: Should mentors and coaches have such a direct say in matchmaking decisions? While it’s natural for fighters to rely on their teams for guidance, some argue that personal opinions—especially ones rooted in loyalty or ideology—can sometimes stand in the way of blockbuster fights that the fans want to see. UFC President Dana White has often said that the promotion listens to the fans, and in this case, fans appear to want Makhachev vs. Topuria sooner rather than later.

Ilia Topuria UFC debut at lightweight: Risk or reward?

For Ilia Topuria, this delay is both a setback and a potential blessing in disguise. While an immediate title shot would offer the opportunity to make history, there’s also significant risk in jumping straight into a fight against a dominant champion like Makhachev. Topuria has never fought at lightweight in the UFC, and questions remain about how his power, speed, and cardio will translate to the heavier division. A better strategy, in the eyes of many analysts, would be for Topuria to face a top-ranked contender like Beneil Dariush, Dustin Poirier, or even Charles Oliveira before challenging for the belt. A win in such a fight would silence critics, validate his move to lightweight, and set the stage for an even bigger title showdown. However, Topuria’s confidence remains unshaken. He has publicly accused Makhachev of ducking him, stating that the champion would rather revive his feud with Oliveira than face a fresh, dangerous challenge from a younger, undefeated fighter.

What’s Next for Oliveira, Gaethje, and the Rest?

While the focus is on the top names, the entire top five of the lightweight division is in flux. Charles Oliveira, despite being a former champion and one of the most exciting fighters on the roster, seems to be in limbo. He’s unwilling to face Topuria without a title on the line and doesn’t currently have a clear path to a rematch with Makhachev. Justin Gaethje, on the other hand, appears to be in pole position for the next title shot. He’s already fought for the belt twice but has reinvented himself in recent performances and remains one of the most explosive strikers in the game. Meanwhile, fighters like Arman Tsarukyan and Mateusz Gamrot are rapidly climbing the ranks and could soon enter the title picture. With Topuria now officially part of the lightweight division, the competition just got even fiercer.

How Will the UFC Respond?

The UFC now faces a classic dilemma: stick to the rankings and meritocracy, or give the fans the high-stakes superfight they crave. From a business perspective, Makhachev vs. Topuria is a pay-per-view goldmine. It’s a classic storyline of dominance versus hunger, the established king versus the undefeated challenger. But giving Topuria a title shot without a single fight at lightweight could spark backlash from other contenders who have paid their dues. Dana White and the UFC matchmakers may need to find a compromise—perhaps booking Topuria in a high-profile eliminator bout to test his skills and draw attention before handing him a championship opportunity.

Conclusion: A Clash of Principles and Promotions

The situation surrounding Islam Makhachev, Ilia Topuria, and Khabib Nurmagomedov is a reflection of the ongoing tension in modern MMA between tradition and spectacle. On one side, you have Khabib defending the values of merit, fairness, and legacy. On the other, you have a sport and a fanbase that thrives on hype, momentum, and star power. Makhachev may ultimately go on to defend his title against Justin Gaethje next, with Topuria needing to prove himself first at 155 pounds. But make no mistake—if Topuria wins that first test, the pressure on the UFC to make the Makhachev fight will become overwhelming. And when that day comes, even Khabib may not be able to stand in the way.