Joe Rogan Doubts Makhachev vs. Topuria is Next
On a recent “Fight Companion” live stream for UFC London, Joe Rogan shared his belief that Ilia Topuria does not get a UFC lightweight title fight right away (h/t DovySimuMMA).
“I don’t think that’s happening,” Rogan said. “I wonder what they’re gonna do with Topuria. I like Topuria vs Oliveira. Oliveira is so tall, so dangerous everywhere, huge reach advantage. Those lightweights are real big, Islam’s huge.”
Islam Makhachev and his team have publicly said that the Topuria fight shouldn’t happen until “El Matador” proves himself at 155 pounds. Makhachev cited his two fights with former UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski as the reason for his current disinterest in the Topuria fight. Makhachev feels he wouldn’t be proving much by defeating another featherweight, but it would mean more if Topuria can find success at 155 pounds first.
If the UFC decides to give Topuria one fight at lightweight before granting him a title shot, then it leaves Makhachev with a few other options, such as Justin Gaethje and Arman Tsarukyan. At the moment, Makhachev is most interested in defending his gold against Gaethje because he would be a fresh opponent who has made lightweight his home throughout his career.
BJPenn.com will keep you posted on the latest updates for Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev.
