Former UFC title challenger slams Islam Makhachev for 'queue-jumping'

Islam makhachev relinquished the UFC lightweight belt. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

PUBLICITY:

The lightweight category (up to 70,3 kg) underwent a major change with the departure of Islam makhachev and rise of Ilia Topuria to the top of the division. If the Georgian/Spanish won his second title, the Russian will be looking to achieve the same feat by measuring his strength against Jack Della Maddalena in the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg), in a duel that has yet to be scheduled. However, such changes do not appear to have been well received by more experienced names.

See too

Exclusive: Vitor Petrino reveals reasons for moving up a category and shares his strategy for his 'debut' with Austen Lane

Holloway expresses great happiness as he highlights the chances of a rematch against Topuria next

Charles do Bronx's training partner and Brazilian veteran released from UFC in new 'boat'

Stephen Thompson, for example, stated in an interview with the website 'MMA fighting' this Thursday (10) that he probably wouldn't see Makhachev's rise in a positive light, due to the fighter getting ahead of the other challengers in the category.

"Well, first of all, if I were in the top five, I would be very upset that this guy who just won the title is already looking at someone in another division. If I were in the top five, I would be more deserving than this guy who's coming up, I'm waiting here," said the veteran, who competed for the belt on two occasions against Tyron woodley in 2016 and 2017.

Never forget how dangerous the man they call @WonderboyMMA!

Stephen Thompson returns to face Gabriel Bonfim in the #UFCNashville's co-main! pic.twitter.com/rcXjLD2y8Q

— UFC_Asia (@UFC_Asia) July 8, 2025

“Where are the Shavkat Rakhmonov, where Ian Garry, (Kamaru) Usman are. Like, those guys, I think, are more deserving because they've been there. If it were me, I'd want JDM to fight at least one or two more times before looking at someone in a different weight class," added the karateka, known as Wonderboy.

Thompson faces Brazilian in UFC this Saturday

S. Thompson is a standout in the welterweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

PUBLICITY:

At 42, Wonderboy is not having the best time in the world's biggest MMA organization. He was brutally knocked out by Joaquin buckley in his last appearance and is coming off two consecutive losses. This Saturday, the American steps into the octagon for the 22nd time against the Brazilian Gabriel Marretinha, in the co-main fight of UFC Nashville.