For a while, it looked like the super-fight between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev was all but set. But UFC 315 turned out to be the deciding factor in the soon-to-be former 155-pound champion’s future. Jack Della Maddalena’s onslaught against Belal Muhammad finally revealed the Dagestani juggernaut’s trajectory. And,  just like that, one of the most anticipated matchups was officially out of the picture. But that didn’t stop ‘El Matador’ from shooting his opportunistic arrows. 

The Georgian-Spaniard’s competitive spirit is higher than anyone could’ve imagined. The UFC 317 clash with Islam Makhachev could’ve been the perfect platform for Topuria to check off everything on his wish list—the GOAT status, the gold belt, and the final laugh in a heated rivalry. So, the idea of him still eyeing the soon-to-be former champ? Totally understandable. As revealed by Alvaro Colmenero, Topuria said: “Of course, why not? It depends—if the fans want to see me fight at welterweight, and there’s a champion the company has at the moment, why not? 

The idea is tempting. However, it would require a major shift in everything within the former 145-pound kingpin’s camp. Plus, there’s a good chance the landscape will look very different if the opportunity ever comes around. Topuria clearly understands that. What once seemed like a solid, well-thought-out plan has now faded into more of a dreamy possibility.One that could only come to life if every card falls perfectly into place.

Ilia Topuria told Alvaro Colmenero in an interview: “To see the plan as well, it’s not the plan I’m going to fight for the title, and then I’m going to move up to welterweight. But it depends on how circumstances develop. Depends on what the UFC wants me to do. At the end of the day, I don’t make the decisions, only for me. In this case, I leave the featherweight division, it was my decision and that of my team. Because I couldn’t continue to cut so much. The weight was already putting my health on the line. So, that decision was made by us. But, out of there, everything that suits me, so do they, and I’m open to doing so.”

Well, that’s the Topuria we know! Never out of the money fight conversation. Sure, the chances of this clash happening at welterweight are slimmer than a pencil. It would require a complete overhaul in approach. From training and nutrition to the entire game plan at Climent Club, to make him truly optimal at 170 lbs. However, the most likely scenario? If Makhachev loses his next fight against Jack Della Maddalena, then maybe we’ll get to see this matchup, with ‘El Matador’ defending his belt, if he snatches the vacant lightweight belt at UFC 317.

There’s no doubt Ilia Topuria has built his image as a legend killer, taking out some of the greatest fighters in his division. But now, one of his more vocal critics has come forward with a different take, which might just surprise you. Let’s find out what that’s all about.

Paddy Pimblett believes Ilia Topuria fought ‘hand-fed’ opponents

One of the most common criticisms Ilia Topuria faces is that he bypassed tough contenders like Movsar Evloev and Diego Lopes at 145 pounds, making the jump to lightweight after just one title defense. As Topuria gears up to chase one of his most sought-after goals on June 28th, his bitter rival Paddy Pimblett couldn’t resist taking another shot, this time questioning not just his past performances but the very path that led him to championship gold.

During a recent interview with TNT Sports, Paddy said: “He has done a lot in the sport, but I do still think he’s been hand-fed opponents. Holloway had just been fighting at 155 , had a war with Gaethje. Volkhad had just been knocked out like two months earlier. Josh Emmett was like 37. Bryce,  as much as I love Bryce, we know he’s not a striker. Every fight he had before the title, Michael Chandler beats every single one of them. I reckon Bobby Green beats every single one of them.”

Well, it’s true, Alexander Volkanovski was coming off a brutal head-kick knockout loss to Makhachev at UFC 294 when he stepped in to face Topuria at UFC 298. Recovery concerns were very real. But on the flip side, Max Holloway fought Gaethje at UFC 300 in April and is now set to face ‘El Matador’ at UFC 308 in October. That’s a solid chunk of time to regroup and prepare. 

Also, the idea of Michael Chandler beating all the opponents Topuria has taken out might be a bit of a stretch. But facts aside, it’s clear that ‘The Baddy’ is just doing what he does best, stirring the pot, keeping the rivalry alive, and planting the seeds for a potential future showdown.

With that being said, what do you think? Is Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev still a real possibility down the line? And do you see Paddy Pimblett entering the title conversation anytime soon? Drop your thoughts in the comment box!