Two of the most popular and successful athletes today, Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, have arguably 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 of 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-UFC 322 analysis video. While acknowledging the magnitude of the fight 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 wants this 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 , probably 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.
“ Michael Morales 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 former champion Leon Edwards in an impressive performance. Nobody had done that to 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 Garry and we also have Kamaru Usman , the Nigerian Nightmare. We also have Joaquin Buckley ,” concluded Bisping.
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