UFC featherweight champion Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) is eager to move up a weight class and challenge lightweight champ Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC). Makhachev is not interested in defending his title against another 145 pounder, but Topuria’s dominance has many thinking he has a solid shot – including Poirier.

🚨 Islam Makhachev says he does NOT want to fight Ilia Topuria right away “I'm not going to give him a chance right away, he didn't do all the work he had to do in his weight class. There are contenders who he must defeat, let him earn a chance, and we will fight” via @MatchTV pic.twitter.com/wNt11t7UMI

Paddy Pimblett dismisses UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria ’s star power.

Paddy Pimblett doesn't think Ilia Topuria will get a crack at Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title during International Fight Week.

UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria sees two viable options for his next fight. Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) is coming off a stunning knockout of Max Holloway to retain his belt at UFC 308 in October.

UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria wants the biggest fights possible, even if that means fighting champions outside of his natural weight class.

UFC color commentator Joe Rogan has made his thoughts clear on the future of the UFC's featherweight and lightweight divisions. Rogan is rooting for featherweight champion Ilia Topuria to move up to lightweight and challenge Islam Makhachev for the title.

Paddy Pimblett disagrees with UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria jumping the line at lightweight. A lot of talk has been made about Topuria targeting lightweight champion Islam Makhachev to manufacture a superfight between UFC titleholders with a combined 43-1 record.