Charles of the Bronx e Islam makhachev faced each other in UFC 280.
Even with the expectation that Ilia Topuria reach the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) as the number one contender, Islam makhachev does not seem willing to give the opportunity to the Georgian/Spanish. As much as several members of the Dagestan Clan express the opinion that 'The Legend' needs to test himself in the category, to Henry Cejudo, Khabib Nurmagomedov is the main reason behind the decision.
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The former flyweight (up to 56,7 kg) and bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg) champion spoke about the subject in an interview with the North American website 'MMA Junkie' last Tuesday (1). Cejudo recalled a conversation with Khabib Nurmagomedov months ago, in an edition of Espaitec's 'Pound 4 Pound', presented in partnership with Kamaru Usman. At the time, the former fighter was asked about Topuria.
“I remember talking to Khabib, and he said it’s not fair for Ilia to jump the queue and go after the title shot with Islam because that’s all Islam has done. He gave Volkanovski a couple of title shots when Alexander moved up in weight. So I don’t even think it’s going to be Islam’s choice. I think Khabib is going to step in and say, ‘He needs to fight the number one contender,’” Cejudo said.
Khabib Nurmagomedov speaks on Ilia Topuria, Belal Muhammad |, Islam makhachev and more in this EXCLUSIVE interview ahead of #UFC311
Full conversation drops on @pound4poundshow TOMORROW
(: @rushmma11) pic.twitter.com/sKDJ5ghXBb— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) December 15, 2024
In the midst of this situation, Cejudo designed another opponent for the Georgian/Spanish. In addition, he also speculated that Charles of the Bronx may be harmed if he does not accept a duel with Topuria.
“They would probably do Ilia and Dustin poirier in Louisiana. I don't think Charles wants to fight Topuria. So I don't know how much influence he has, but if a fighter is saying he's not going to fight someone for a title shot. The UFC is just going to shelve him. They're definitely going to shelve him, so I can see Ilia Topuria against Dustin poirier. He will only fight legends in his retirement fight, and Ilia Topuria has just change your nickname to 'Legend'“, the fighter declared.
For Cejudo, Makhachev will face Justin Gaethje for the UFC title
Justin gaethje won by decision in the UFC 313. Photo: Reproduction X/UFC News
Based on statements from Makhachev and Nurmagomedov, Triple C does not believe that the champion is avoiding Topuria, but is betting on another opponent for the next title defense.
“Khabib said that if Ilia beats a challenger, then they will fight. I personally think Islam will fight anyone, anytime, anywhere. There is a quote about him in the Performance Institute about this, but I think the person who is most likely to play it safe is Khabib Nurmagomedov. He's going to say no, so for that reason I think it will be Justin gaethje vs. Islam makhachev, during International Fight Week,” said the former champion.
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