Makhachev vs Topuria Fight

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The UFC lightweight division is abuzz with the news of Ilia Topuria's move up to 155 pounds, with many speculating about a potential fight against current champion Islam Makhachev. Topuria, the current featherweight champion, announced his decision to vacate the title and move up to lightweight after defeating Max Holloway at UFC 308. Makhachev's head coach, Javier Mendez, has endorsed the idea of a fight between the two, but the champion's manager, Rizvan Magomedov, is more cautious, suggesting that Topuria needs to prove himself at lightweight before earning a title shot.

Makhachev's team is not the only one with differing views on the potential fight. UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov has also weighed in, stating that Topuria needs to win at least one high-profile fight at lightweight before being considered for a title shot. This has led to speculation about who Topuria's first opponent at lightweight could be, with some suggesting a fight against a top contender like Dustin Poirier or Charles Oliveira. Magomedov has suggested that a fight between Topuria and one of these contenders would be a good way to determine whether Topuria is a legitimate threat at lightweight.

The potential fight between Makhachev and Topuria is being touted as a superfight between two of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Makhachev is currently ranked as the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world, while Topuria is known for his aggressive fighting style and impressive knockout victories. The fight would be a dream matchup for fans, with many speculating about how Topuria's wrestling skills would match up against Makhachev's grappling abilities.

According to recent reports, the odds for a potential fight between Makhachev and Topuria have been released, with Makhachev listed as the favorite at -280 and Topuria listed as the underdog at +220. The fight is expected to take place at UFC 317, although nothing has been officially announced by the promotion. The event is scheduled to take place during International Fight Week in Las Vegas, and would be one of the biggest fights of the year.

Here are the current odds for the potential fight:

• Makhachev: -280
• Topuria: +220

The fight would be a major test for both fighters, with Makhachev looking to defend his title against a dangerous challenger and Topuria looking to prove himself at a new weight class. With the UFC lightweight division being one of the most competitive in the sport, a fight between Makhachev and Topuria would be a must-see event for fans.

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