Ilia Topuria Islam Makhachev and others are big names in the UFC. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage.
Two of the most popular and successful athletes of today, it can be said that Islam makhachev e Ilia Topuria They've been on a collision course for quite some time, mainly due to the constant challenges from the current lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg). However, MMA fans may have to wait a while to see the two leaders in the pound-for-pound rankings sharing the octagon. At least, that's the opinion of... Michael Bisping.
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Former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) and current UFC commentator, Bisping spoke about the subject on his YouTube channel in a post-fight analysis video.UFC 322Despite acknowledging the magnitude of the duel in terms of legacy and marketing, he emphasized the competitiveness of the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg), which is full of high-level athletes.
"Ilia Topuria I want that fight. Can you imagine what it would be like if Topuria had the ability to become a champion in three divisions? Nobody has ever done that. But I don't think that's what's going to happen here anytime soon. I think Ilia will defend the title, maybe against Paddy (Pimblett) or Justin gaethje"I'll probably fight a few more times before even thinking about dropping down to the welterweight division. There's no shortage of opponents (in the welterweight division)," he stated.
Michael Bisping doesn't think Ilia vs Islam is happening anytime soon.
“I don't think that's what's gonna happen here just yet.”
“I think Ilia is gonna defend, he's probably gonna defend a couple of more times before he even thinks about going to welterweight.”
There is no… pic.twitter.com/wjqSwq3GHQ— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) November 17, 2025
Continuing his argument, the Briton listed the main names that should move ahead of Topuria in Dana White's selection for the number one contender spot.
"MichaelMorales He has arguments to fight for the belt because he is undefeated in 19 fights, and he just knocked out... Sean brady. We have Carlos Prates, who just knocked out the former champion Leon edwards in an impressive performance. Nobody had done that with Edwards, so he has a chance. We also have Shavkat Rakhmonov, who was the number one contender before getting injured. Belal Muhammad | will face Ian Gary and we still have Kamaru Usman, the Nigerian Nightmare. We also have Joaquin buckley”, Bisping concluded.
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