Makhachev's manager 'circles' Ilia Topuria backstage at the UFC; find out why.

Ilia Topuria is undefeated in MMA. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @iliatopuria

Ali Abdelaziz, it seems, put Ilia Topuria in a delicate situation behind the scenes at the UFC. Despite having no direct connection to the Spaniard, the manager, responsible for managing the careers of Islam makhachev e Justin gaethjeHe indicated that 'El Matador' has few alternatives for his upcoming matches, and that all available options somehow involve his players.

In a post on the social network 'X', Abdelaziz stated that Justin gaethje He is next in line to challenge for the undisputed lightweight title. According to his agent, if Topuria doesn't accept the challenge, the American will face the next contender for the title.

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Just to be clear, Justin gaethje "He will then fight for the undisputed lightweight title and, if Topuria doesn't want to, Justin will fight for the undisputed title against whoever is next," writes Ali Abdelaziz.

Furthermore, Ali also indicated that, in a possible confrontation between Makhache and Ilia TopuriaIt would be up to the Russian to define the location and date of the fight, also highlighting that the champion's next commitment should be against a legitimate welterweight (up to 77kg).

"And if Islam wants to give Topuria that beating, he'll be the one to choose where and when, but Islam's next fight will certainly be against a real welterweight," the businessman concluded.

Just to be clear @Justin_Gaethje is fighting next for the undisputed Lightweight title and if Topuria doesn't want then Justin will fight for the undisputed title against whoever is next, and if Islam wants to give Topuria this ass whooping then he will be the one who will choose…

- Ali Abdelaziz (@ AliAbdelaziz00) February 14, 2026

Ilia Topuria's options in the UFC

Topuria celebrates her UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

PUBLICITY:

After announcing a career break to to deal with personal matters, Ilia Topuria saw the Ultimate move on and Justin gaethje to win the interim belt in UFC 324With this, the American became a potential next opponent for the Spaniard in a possible title unification fight in the lightweight category (up to 70,3 kg).

Another option for Topuria would be to relinquish his championship title to try his luck against Islam makhachev in the welterweight division (up to 77 kg). However, the competition in the division above is tough, with names like Ian Gary, Carlos Prates, MichaelMorales e Kamaru Usman emerging as potential obstacles along the way.