It turns out that Hunter Campbell did not negotiate Islam Makhachev fight that many thought when he went to Dagestan.
After Makhacheve had submitted Renato Moicano to UFC 311 to move his count of lightweight title defenses to four, it seemed that one man was in his immediate future.
With Topuria who leaves the featherweight gold to pursue two-division glory, many called on the UFC to book him against the Dagestani title holder in a long-awaited superfight. However, reports emerged and claimed that Makhachev did not like to fight 'El Matador' until he beat a top candidate for the first time.
So when Hunter Campbell traveled to meet Makhachev in Dagestan, the consensus that the UFC director was negotiating a potential defending defense against Topuria.
But that may not have been the case …
Umar Nurmagomedov reveals that Hunter Campbell was not trying to set up Islam Makhachev vs Ilia Topuria
Makhakev's teammate Umar Nurmagomedov recently thinks about the trip from Campbell to his region during an interview with Adam Zubayraev.
The former UFC Bantamweight title Challenger claimed that instead of trying to convince Makhacheve to fight Topuria, the Chief Business Officer of the promotion actually wanted the Dagestani to leave the division so that the Spaniard could become champion.
Nurmagomedov put the request down to Topuria's star row, which has risen because of his violent and undefeated run to the top in the UFC.
“He (Campbell) came to Islam and they wanted Islam to go up,” said Nurmagomedov (H/t Red Corner MMA).
“They want to make Topuria the champion at 155 (pound). They believe that he can really sell fights.
“Islam does not want to give up his belt – he also wants to fight at 155,” Nurmagomedov added. “Islam can take the 170 title and then return to 155 and hold both belts.”
Ilia Topuria called Islam Makhachev a 'coward' for leaving lightweight
In terms of the clear reason behind Campbell's Dagestan trip, Topuria clearly did not get the memo.
After the relocation of Topuria was confirmed, the former featherweight Kingpin was quickly on the long -inserting champion at 155 pounds. With that in mind, Topuria Makhachev noted a “coward” during their back and forth on social media, accused him of deliberately avoiding their matchup.
“The difference between you and me is that I am a man and that you are a coward,” wrote Topuria. “I speak and fight. You talk and hide. Run far away and leave no trace.
The difference between you and me is that I am a man and that you are a coward. I speak and fight. You talk and hide. Run far away and leave no trace. I ыален ago пацан. https://t.co/kduhdib8t
– Ilia Topuria (@topuriailia) 15 May 2025
View tweet
For the time being, the couple will have their sights set on different rivals and different championships.
If both men come up with the victory in their next fights, but maybe talk about their growing rivalry that reaches the Octagon will be arranged again.