Belal Muhammad criticizes Ilia Topuria‘s call for a UFC lightweight title shot against Islam Makhachev, arguing that Topuria should first prove himself in the 155-pound division rather than bypass established contenders.
Belal Muhammad, with his extensive experience in the UFC, finds it perplexing how Ilia Topuria seems to be getting a free pass after leaving his featherweight belt behind to jump into a new division. Topuria’s been quite vocal about wanting to face Islam Makhachev at 155 pounds, claiming the UFC even promised him that shot. However, Makhachev isn’t having it. He’s already faced criticism for beating Alexander Volkanovski twice and argues that another win over a former 145-pounder won’t really bolster his legacy unless Topuria proves he’s the top contender.
Muhammad, who shares a bond with Makhachev as both a friend and training partner, stands by him. He dismisses any notion that the reigning lightweight champ is shying away from competition. “It’s crazy,” Muhammad remarked to MMA Fighting. “People just don’t want to give Team Khabib their due respect. It’s like they’re waiting for them to stumble.”
The narrative spins further when considering Topuria’s potential move up in weight class. If Islam dominates him, critics might just shrug it off, saying, “Well, he’s just a ’45er.” What’s there for Islam to gain? Not much, according to Muhammad.
Rumors are swirling about Topuria aiming for the UFC 317 card during International Fight Week. The chatter includes whispers of a lightweight title challenge—whether or not Makhachev is involved. Could this lead to an interim title? Or even the unthinkable—Makhachev being stripped of his belt?
Muhammad isn’t thrilled with these prospects. He sees Makhachev as the pound-for-pound best right now—a fighter whose quotes adorn the walls of the UFC Performance Institute, symbolizing his readiness to face any challenger. “When [Islam] said let him fight somebody else, earn it,” Muhammad noted, “he wasn’t backing down. He’s just asking for fair play.”
Topuria’s decision to move up in weight without defending his featherweight title multiple times raises eyebrows. Unlike Volkanovski, who had cleared out his division before moving up, Topuria still has unfinished business at 145 pounds. Fighters like Diego Lopes and Yair Rodriguez are still waiting in line.
It’s hard to argue against Muhammad’s logic given Makhachev’s dominance since capturing the lightweight crown. With four successful defenses under his belt—a record in the UFC’s 155-pound category—Muhammad believes Topuria needs more than just ambition to earn a shot.
The lone time Topuria fought at lightweight in the UFC, he was rocked early by Jai Herbert before securing a knockout victory. Muhammad knows firsthand how formidable Makhachev is on the mats and advises Topuria to tread carefully.
There are plenty of contenders already lining up at 155 pounds for Makhachev before Topuria should even be considered. “He got dropped by Jai Herbert,” Muhammad pointed out. “If Islam gets you down, you’re not getting back up.”
For Team Makhachev, what’s there to gain from fighting Topuria? Besides money? There are other worthy opponents like Justin Gaethje and Arman Tsarukyan waiting in the wings. No need for desperation here; there’s no shortage of challenges at lightweight without needing to entertain a featherweight seeking glory in a new weight class.