Team Makhachev Reveals UFC’s Power Play to Elevate Ilia Topuria

As Islam Makhachev gears up for a move to welterweight, questions surrounding his lightweight exit continue to stir. Many expected him to face the rising Ilia Topuria in a blockbuster title clash—but that fight never materialized. Now, a new revelation from within Makhachev’s camp offers a deeper look into why the bout was bypassed.

In a conversation captured by Adam Zubayraev and shared by Red Corner MMA, Umar Nurmagomedov—Makhachev’s teammate—shared surprising insight. 

Islam Makhachev

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He revealed that UFC executive Hunter Campbell traveled to Dagestan to personally convince Makhachev to move up in weight so that Topuria could take over as the new lightweight champion.

'He [Hunter] came to see Islam, and they wanted Islam to move up. They want to make Topuria the champ at 155. They believe he can really sell fights,' Umar said.

'Islam doesn’t want to give up his belt — he wants to fight at 155 too. Islam can take the 170 title, then return to 155 and hold both belts.'

The comments have left fans confused and speculating about UFC’s intentions. One post summed it up:

'Lemme get this straight … Hunter came to Dagestan to convince Makhachev to go up? But not fight the BIGGEST FIGHT the UFC can make with him and Topuria?'

Others questioned the terms:

'Seems like Makhachev declined the fight then was FORCED to go up…'
'Islam isn’t active enough to defend both and I’m sure they gave him a choice either vacate and move up or stay at 155 and fight Topuria'.

With tensions simmering between both camps and the storyline only heating up, fans can only hope the fight eventually gets made. When the dust settles on UFC 317—and again when Makhachev squares off with Jack Della Maddalena—we might finally get some clarity. If the stars align, maybe Dana White and the UFC will circle back to the lightweight showdown fans actually want. Until then, all we can do is watch, wait, and keep the Twitter fingers ready.