Ilia Topuria wants to fight Islam Makhachev, making it clear that he won’t back down despite the weight class differences. Recently, Topuria and Makhachev vacated their respective UFC featherweight and lightweight belts to embark on new belt pursuits in different weight divisions. Even the gap between their weights won’t deter Topuria’s ambitions.

Topuria will face off against former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira for the vacant 155-pound title at UFC 317 on June 28, which has sparked both excitement and some disappointment among fans, as it means Makhachev vs. Topuria won’t happen for the time being. Even though Makhachev is looking to move up to welterweight, Topuria remains fixed on his goal of overcoming what many regard as the current best pound-for-pound fighter.

“If Islam becomes the welterweight world champion, I will definitely be pushing for that shot as well,” Topuria stated in a pre-fight press conference.

He added, “If he wins the title and I also clinch a title in the lightweight division, I might move up or he could drop down to face off against me. It’s a fight everyone wants to see.”

Topuria (16-0) is enthusiastic about the opportunity to challenge Oliveira, although Makhachev still tops his list of desired opponents. “I wanted to fight Makhachev, the guy who has been dominating the division, but I can’t control their choices,” he expressed. “The only thing I can control is my actions; I’m ready to fight anyone willing to take me on.”