How Ilia Topuria Can Book His Fight Against Unstoppable Islam Makhachev
Ilia Topuria recently vacated his UFC Featherweight Championship to move up to the Lightweight division.
This decision was influenced by his desire to pursue new opportunities and avoid holding up other fighters in the Featherweight division.
Dana White, the UFC CEO, has indicated that while Topuria is interested in a title shot against Islam Makhachev, there are no guarantees for this matchup at present. White mentioned that “there’s still other possibilities,” suggesting that Topuria may need to navigate a complex path to secure a title fight.
Establishing Himself in the Lightweight Division:Topuria should aim to fight and defeat high-ranking fighters within the Lightweight division. By securing victories over established contenders, he can build credibility and demonstrate his capability at this higher weight class.
Building Momentum Through Fights :Topuria could target specific fighters who are also vying for title contention or those who have significant name recognition. Winning against such opponents would enhance his visibility and marketability. Actively promoting himself through social media, interviews, and fan interactions can help create buzz around his potential title shot.
Navigating UFC Politics :Topuria should keep an eye on the current champion’s activity and potential challengers as he climbs the rankings with wins. If Makhachev is scheduled for a title defense against another fighter, it may open up opportunities for Topuria if he continues winning. Once he establishes himself as a top contender, discussions with UFC management regarding a title shot can begin.
Timing His Challenge :If Makhachev successfully defends his title against another challenger, there may be openings for Topuria if he has built enough momentum by then. If circumstances allow (e.g., injuries or scheduling conflicts among other contenders), positioning himself as the logical next challenger can increase his chances of getting that coveted title shot.
Ilia Topuria can make his way toward a Lightweight title fight against Islam Makhachev by establishing himself within the division through strategic fights against ranked opponents.
Ilia Topuria builds momentum with impressive performances, navigating UFC politics effectively, and timing his challenge appropriately based on developments within the division.