UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is awaiting his next opponent, with four contenders—Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and featherweight champion Ilia Topuria—vying for a title shot; UFC legend Matt Brown argues that Topuria should be the next challenger due to his star power and potential to pose a unique challenge to Makhachev.
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is still waiting for his next opponent. Four contenders are in the mix, all eager for a shot at the title.
Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and featherweight champ Ilia Topuria have each made their case. But the UFC’s decision remains pending. Matt Brown, a UFC legend, has his pick among them. He believes one contender stands out due to the fight’s potential size and impact.
“I give it to Ilia,” Brown said on The Fighter vs. The Writer. “We’ve talked about it. Islam will resist this matchup. He’ll try to avoid it. Understandably so. But I don’t see anyone else making a clear case.”
“Nobody has stood out enough to say they deserve the fight,” he added. “Give Ilia the chance. If he wins, he becomes an even bigger star.”
Makhachev’s reluctance towards Topuria stems from past criticism. His fight with featherweight Alexander Volkanovski drew flak for targeting smaller opponents. Hence, Makhachev suggests Topuria should prove himself at lightweight first.
Brown gets why Makhachev hesitates to face another featherweight moving up to 155 pounds. But he thinks the UFC sees dollar signs—hard to ignore that.
Moreover, Brown knows other challengers aren’t disappearing anytime soon. But if Topuria loses now, interest in him fighting Makhachev dwindles.
“Those guys aren’t going anywhere,” Brown remarked about Tsarukyan, Oliveira, and Gaethje. “They’ll still be around for title fights later. Meanwhile, let Ilia take his shot.”
Topuria’s momentum seems unstoppable right now. Tsarukyan dropped out of a scheduled fight with Makhachev due to a back injury earlier this year.
Oliveira recently triumphed over Michael Chandler but has losses to both Tsarukyan and Makhachev haunting his record.
Gaethje called for his shot after defeating Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313. Yet, it was only a recovery win following a knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300.
Brown understands the frustration of those fighters if Topuria leapfrogs them. However, he suggests Oliveira and Gaethje stay active while Tsarukyan waits or acts as backup.
“If I’m the UFC, I’d tell Arman he doesn’t need to fight now,” Brown said. “He’s next after Ilia and Islam face off.”
“Arman can wait his turn,” he continued. “If someone gets hurt, he’s the guy. It might keep him sidelined longer than he wants, but sometimes that’s life.”
Beyond fame and star power, Brown thinks Topuria poses a unique challenge for Makhachev compared to others like Tsarukyan or Gaethje.
Topuria may be new to this division but packs serious punch power—enough to potentially knock out Makhachev and shock the world.
“Here’s the thing: Arman is a wrestler,” Brown explained. “He probably won’t beat Islam in wrestling or standup.”
“Ilia has knockout power,” he added. “If Islam slips up mentally or physically—there’s a path for Ilia.”
Ultimately, Brown argues that combining Topuria’s star power with his skills makes him the best choice for the next title shot.