Islam Makhachev will look closely to see how things unfold in his NU formator Division when Ilia met Topuria Charles Oliveira on UFC 317 and afterwards.
With Makhachev who leaves the lightweight title prior to a movement up to 170 pounds, Topuria and Oliveira will fight on UFC 317 to secure their place on the soon empty throne.
But although there is a lot of attention for their confrontation in the T-Mobile Arena of Las Vegas, the presence of Arman Tsarukyan as the UFC 317 back-up hunter led to discussions about what awaits us for the future champion.
Topuria, for example, does not expect it to be Tsarukyan if it comes forward with the 155 pound title in his possession. 'El Matador' recently claimed that the Russian-Armens did not earn the shot after he had removed from his Makhachactrematch on UFC 311 last January last January.
Islam Makhachev says that Arman Tsarukyan must be the following for UFC 317 winner on one condition
Makhachev, however, has a different view than that of Topuria.
During a recent interview with MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn, the Dagestani supported Tsarukyan's claim on the first shot on the winner of the UFC 317 on Saturday.
That ensures that he successfully makes weight on Friday, something that many do not see as a guarantee after the UFC 311 debacle and theories such as Joe Rogan's about Tsarukyan who withdraws because of a wounded injury.
“You know, my opinion now, I know that Tsarukyan will also make weight (as UFC 317 backup),” said Makhachev.
“If he now makes weight and show that people (he) can arrive, he must be the next.”
Arman Tsarukyan sends ominous threat to Ilia Topuria
Tsarukyan apparently did not take too friendly to Topuria's attitude on this issue.
While he signed up to reduce and reach the scale would be further than he received at UFC 311, the Russian-Armenian competitions back to half of the UFC 317 Main Event.
After being told that he had to earn his shot against the winner through Topuria, Tsarukyan promised to have the Spaniard pay in the cage when he comes from the International Vechtweek as a lightweight king.
“If you win, I'll wipe the octagon floor with your face @topuriailia,” Tsarukyan wrote.
Before their potential fight reaches the cage along the line, both men have to do work in the coming days. First, Tsarukyan's roads in requirement to meet his backup obligations, followed by Topuria's attempt to reach two-division.