Islam Makhachev has urged Ilia Topuria to do the right thing with the title that the Dagestani had earlier.
The future of the lightweight division remains almost two months after the decision after Topuria had protected his place as Makhachev's successor on the throne.
After a short government on 145 pounds, Topuria Charles Oliveira stopped at UFC 317 in his first fight on 155 pounds. It was not long before the focus turned on the next assignment from the Spanish star, but things are still in the air.
Arman Tsarukyan, Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje have all set up their claim for the first shot to rid 'El Matador'. And according to De Koning who left the crown this year, the choice is clear.
Islam Makhachev wants to see Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan
While Gaethje made a pension threat for the UFC to increase his chances of getting the nod, Pimblett played on T-Mobile Arena on T-Mobile Arena on 28 June with Topuria in T-Mobile.
Tsarukyan has meanwhile branded the most deserving, meritocratic choice. However, the shares of the Russian-Armens took a hit in the eyes of the promotion after his late withdrawal of the UFC 311 event last January against Makhachev.
Although Tsarukyan has made weight as the UFC 317 -back hunter, it is still to be seen whether that was enough to recover the trust of the UFC. And there is also the small issue of Topuria that publicly rejects Tsarukyan's claim.
But for Makhachev, his former opponent is definitely the right option.
“Arman weighed the last (title fight on UFC 317), he was the back -up,” said Makhachev during an RB Sport -press conference.
“He should be the next in the struggle for the belt. This is the most relevant fight at the moment,” he added.
Arman Tsarukyan has moved from Ilia Topuria and focuses on a title -eliminator
Interestingly, it seems that Tsarukyan keeps no hope to get a title shot quickly.
He recently claimed that Topuria will not return in 2025, so that instead he focuses on Gaethje and Pimblett for a title Eliminator fight before the year is out.
“(Topuria) wants to come back in January or February,” Tsarukyan said in a video about the YouTube channel of Adam Zubayraev. “And I haven't fought anymore.
“So I think I have to fight in October or November. And I spoke with the boss yesterday. They said they might put up a fight with someone.
“In Abu Dhabi or in Qatar … maybe Gaethje, maybe (then) hooker, maybe paddy,” Tsarukyan added, pointing to the scouser as his favorite opponent.