Is Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria closer than we think? The long-rumored super-fight for lightweight gold is heating up. While Team Khabib insists that ‘La Leyenda’ must first beat a top 155er before earning his shot, Topuria fired back, claiming Khabib is afraid ‘La Leyenda’ will expose the crown jewel of Dagestan. Now, with a UFC matchmaker reportedly touching down in Dagestan for negotiations, fans are left wondering—are we on the verge of witnessing history?

Let us take you down the rabbit hole. When asked about Topuria vs. Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, in an interview with Adam Zubayraev, stated that Islam Makhachev has nothing to gain from his battle with Ilia Topuria, “I don’t know what kind of agreements Topuria and UFC had, but from Islam’s side, he already gave two title shots to 145-pound champions. Both times, Islam won. Now a third time? Okay, let’s imagine Topuria moves up and gets a title shot right away. Islam beats him. Then Topuria fights again. He loses again. So basically, he was a nobody at 155. Islam beat a nobody at 155.” 

It’s clear that Islam Makhachev has no plans to fight Ilia Topuria. Instead, he intends to face a top contender in his own division before moving up to 170 lbs to challenge for the welterweight title. However, that move will largely depend on the outcome of the UFC 315 clash between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena. So, does that mean that all of the doors to the Topuria-Makhachev super fight are closed?

Enter Hunter Campbell with his trademark charisma. After a discreet meeting with Team Khabib in Dubai, the Dana White protégé has once again raised anticipation for the potential fight, now making his presence felt in Dagestan.

On May 2nd, Khabib Nurmagomedov shared a photo with Hunter Campbell and Islam Makhachev’s manager, fueling the hype for a potential superfight between Makhachev and Topuria. Just as the buzz began to fade, another visual emerged—this time showing Campbell with Islam Makhachev himself in the mountains of Dagestan.

Well, as of now, it is unclear why Hunter Campbell is in Dagestan, but rumours suggest that the Dana White second-hand man is there to make sure they get the UFC 317 headliner in the shape of Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria. Well, ‘La Lyende’ is certain that he would defeat Islam Makhachev, but how prepared is the Dagestani? Let us find out.

Islam Makhachev trains alongside forgotten UFC star ahead of potential UFC 317 clash

Last January, Islam Makhachev defended his title against Renato Moicano for a record-breaking fourth title defense, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest lightweights in MMA history. However, his aura took a significant hit when Ilia Topuria challenged him to a superfight—a blow that was compounded when Team Khabib reportedly refused to let Makhachev accept the bout. Well, brace yourself as Islam Makhachev has pulled in a legendary name in his training camp who was way from the MMA world for a long time.

In his most recent escapade, Islam Makhachev has been spotted training alongside none other than the former featherweight star, Zabit Magomedsharipov. With a career record of 18 victories and only 1 defeat, Magomedsharipov is the biggest what-if in the realm of combat sports. After fighting his last battle under the UFC management against Calvin Kattar back in 2019, the Dagestani said goodbye to the MMA world, however, recently he has been making hints about his comeback.

Recent training footage of Islam Makhachev showcases Magomedsharipov working alongside Team Khabib, ensuring that the lightweight champion continuously adds to his skillset. What are your thoughts on all the buzz surrounding this? Share your opinion in the comments below.