UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev’s silence on Ilia Topuria’s callout has sparked debates about his next move.
While the UFC has yet to confirm a title fight for Makhachev, speculation is growing that he could pursue a welterweight title run instead. He is rumored to face the winner of Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315.
Laura Sanko Weighs In on UFC’s Push for Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria
UFC analyst and commentator Laura Sanko recently addressed the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Makhachev’s next opponent. She offered some insight into what the promotion reportedly hopes to orchestrate.
Speaking on Submission Radio, Sanko revealed that the UFC is eager to book a lightweight title bout between Makhachev and Topuria.
“I think that the UFC really wants Islam (Makhachev) vs. (Ilia) Topuria, and I think they will do whatever it takes to make that fight happen financially.”
Despite UFC brass being keen on the matchup, Makhachev has yet to respond publicly, fueling theories that he may be eyeing a leap to welterweight instead.
Topuria, on the other hand, appears fully committed to facing Makhachev. He has previously claimed that a title shot at lightweight was promised to him in exchange for vacating the UFC featherweight strap.
Sanko also mentioned that while she couldn’t speculate on the Dagestani fighter’s inner thoughts, there’s a possibility that Makhachev might be considering various options, including a potential shift to welterweight.
While Makhachev might be open to facing Belal Muhammad if he secures the welterweight title, Sanko elaborated that the sentiment isn’t mutual. Muhammad has strongly hinted at moving up to middleweight if Makhachev enters his division, citing respect and brotherhood as reasons to avoid a clash.
Despite this, Sanko believes a Muhammad vs. Makhachev bout would hold significant value for both fighters’ legacies.
“I have a gut feeling that Islam is somewhat open to fighting Belal… Islam wouldn’t prefer it because there is so much mutual respect and time shared and all these things, but it’s kind of like, ‘Yeah, but I also want that second belt, and whoever’s there is there.”
Laura Sanko Confident in Islam Makhachev’s Potential at Welterweight
Makhachev is currently riding a 15-fight win streak, having dominated a range of high-level strikers in the lightweight division. Notably, he’s yet to face Justin Gaethje and Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch — two grapplers with the skill sets to pose legitimate threats.
But a move to 170 lbs would introduce an entirely different set of challenges. Names like Kamaru Usman, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Sean Brady represent a more wrestling-heavy roster. Still, Sanko believes Makhachev can thrive among them.
“I still think he can do it,” Sanko claimed. “I think he can be dominant at 170 pounds. I do. Largely because he is the best MMA fighter in the world right now.”
She also dismissed concerns about his size, noting Makhachev’s walk-around weight is already around 180 lbs, making him a naturally fitting welterweight.
“I don’t think he’s going to be a very small welterweight once he allows himself to really frame out and not have a camp where he is… What if he gets better?”
Sanko even entertained the possibility of Makhachev eyeing middleweight in the long run—something his coach, Javier Mendes, did not rule out in a recent interview. Even though Dricus du Plessis laughed off the idea, he may eventually have to take it seriously if Makhachev continues his upward trajectory.