In a historic step, featherweight UFC champion Ilia Topuria has left its title to chase greener meadows in the lightweight division. 'El Matador' wants the lightweight throne of Islam Makhachev and possibly more opportunities with Welterweight afterwards.
The Georgian-Spanish hunter hit Alexander Volkanovski on UFC 298 to steal the throne and to inform the MMA world. He doubled his promise of violence by giving Max Holloway his first knockout loss at UFC 308.
With clear victories on two of the top three champions of the division, unbeaten Topuria thinks he has done enough to go up and to chase a legacy title fight with Makhachev. The Makhachev coach believes that Topuria 'cuts the line', but admits that the UFC wants to be an eye on their fights.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Javier Mendez admits that Ilia Topuria might cut the line, but UFC does not follow 'True Sport' principles
Speaking with Submission Radio about whether Topuria earns a lightweight title shot, coach Javier Mendez gave his honest review of the UFC as a 'real sport'.
“Well of course he cuts the line, but hey, if the fans – that's what they want to see, what the UFC wants to see … He cuts in line, but it's not a real sport. [UFC] Is not a real sport, it is first entertainment, so if more eyeballs will pay attention to Topuria, then that is of course what the UFC wants.
“So from a realistic real sport yes, he cuts the line, but from an entertainment [perspective he isn’t.] Because in that case, how often has Chael Sonnen cut the line? “
Mendez refers to three-time UFC title finer Chael Sonnen, who earned his first shot in the middleweight title with a three-fighter line, then on a two-fighter line, and challenged the light heavyweight belt on a losing series.
Colleague UFC Lightweight says that the size does not matter in the Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria
Topuria is three centimeters shorter than Makhachev and has a smaller frame. 'El Matador' struggled against Jai Herbert in his last lightweight fight, but the size does not matter in his next lightweight appearance, according to long -term UFC lightweight Terrance McKinney.
With Inside Fighting, McKinney said he doesn't think the size of Topuria matters in the final superfight.
“I heard that he turned out 170 pounds, so I don't think it really matters,” said McKinney. “I saw a small video clip … I had something like:” Damn, the boy is a wild one. “
It is also worth noting that Makhachev 5'6 ″ Alexander Volkanovski fought in his first lightweight title defense, and it was one of his most difficult battles to date. With a few adjustments, 'the Great' could have caused a big upset. He lost the Rematch by Head -Trap Knock -Out, and it is likely that Makhachev will not risk that mistake against a smaller man.
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