Michael Bisping Says Islam Makhachev vs Ilia Topuria Fight Is ‘Massive Market Opportunity’ For UFC

The Lightweight Title Picture: A Wealth of Options for Islam Makhachev

The UFC’s lightweight division is one of the most stacked and competitive weight classes in mixed martial arts, with a plethora of talent vying for a shot at the title. Reigning champion Islam Makhachev has solidified his position as one of the world’s best pound-for-pound fighters, but the question on everyone’s mind is: who will he face next? According to UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping, the list of potential contenders is long, but one name stands out above the rest—Ilya Topuria. The former featherweight champion’s recent move to lightweight has sent shockwaves through the division, and Bisping believes he is the most deserving of a title shot.

Ilya Topuria: The Rising Star with a Clear Path to the Title

Ilya Topuria, a former featherweight champion, made the bold decision to vacate his 145-pound title and move up to lightweight, with one clear goal in mind: to challenge Islam Makhachev for the 155-pound belt. His ambition is no secret, and Bisping, a respected voice in the MMA community, believes Topuria’s skills and resume make him the most logical choice for Makhachev’s next title defense. “Realistically, there’s a ton of options for Ilya Topuria,” Bisping said on his YouTube channel, emphasizing that both fighters need to compete soon. “But the reality is, Islam Makhachev has got to fight somebody soon, and so does Ilya Topuria.”

Topuria’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. His dominance at featherweight, coupled with his decision to move up a weight class, has many believing he is poised to become a two-weight world champion. Bisping, however, is not alone in his assessment. Other contenders like Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, and Justin Gaethje also have valid claims to a title shot, but Topuria’s momentum and fresh challenge make him the most intriguing option.

Other Contenders in the Mix: A Deep Talent Pool

While Ilya Topuria is the frontrunner in Bisping’s eyes, the lightweight division is teeming with talent, and other fighters could easily make a case for a title shot. Former champion Charles Oliveira, for instance, has long been one of the most dangerous and exciting fighters in the division. His submission skills and well-rounded game make him a constant threat to any opponent. Arman Tsarukyan, another rising star, has been on a tear lately, earning himself a spot in the top five of the lightweight rankings. His aggressive style and impressive performances have many calling for him to face Makhachev.

Then there’s Justin Gaethje, the fan-favorite brawler who recently defeated Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313. Gaethje has been vocal about his desire to fight for the title next, but Bisping believes he may not be as urgent about it as others. “Justin Gaethje wants to fight for the belt, but Justin Gaethje really doesn’t give a sh*t right now,” Bisping said with a chuckle. “I think Justin Gaethje is happy making the phenomenal amount of money that he is, and just going out there and being able to be himself.” While Gaethje’s laid-back approach might not be as driven as others, his ability to put on a show and his proven track record make him a formidable contender.

The Implications of a Topuria-Makhachev Showdown

If the UFC decides to book Makhachev vs. Topuria next, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Topuria, the former featherweight kingpin, is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and skilled fighters in the world. His clash with Makhachev would not only determine the future of the lightweight division but also have significant implications for the UFC’s marketability. As Bisping pointed out, a loss for Topuria would diminish some of the luster surrounding his rise. “If he loses to [Justin] Gaethje, but then two or three fights later gets a shot, it’s not quite the same sell,” Bisping explained. “The public wouldn’t be quite as invested.”

On the other hand, if Topuria were to dethrone Makhachev, he would become an overnight sensation, further cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s elite. The UFC would have a fresh face at the top of the lightweight division, and the possibilities for future matchups would be endless. Fighters like Oliveira, Tsarukyan, and Gaethje would all beready to step up and challenge the new champion, ensuring that the division remains as competitive as ever.

The Bigger Picture: The Future of the Lightweight Division

Regardless of who Makhachev faces next, the lightweight division is in an exciting place. The depth of talent is unparalleled, and the matchups are endless. Whether it’s Topuria, Oliveira, Tsarukyan, or Gaethje, each fighter brings something unique to the table, guaranteeing that the division will remain a hotbed of excitement for years to come. Bisping summed it up perfectly: “Any of those guys—Arman, Charles, Justin—they’d all be