UFC commentator Jon Anik recently speculated that Islam Makhachev might return to the 155-pound division for a potential showdown against Ilia Topuria, the current lightweight champion. Anik suggested that Makhachev would be the most likely contender to challenge Topuria’s seeming dominance in the lightweight category.
Following Belal Muhammad’s defeat by Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 in May, Makhachev vacated his lightweight title and moved up to welterweight. He is now expected to compete against Della Maddalena for the welterweight belt, while Topuria secured the vacant lightweight championship at UFC 317 by knocking out Charles Oliveira in the first round.
Topuria’s victory sparked excitement about his becoming a multi-division champion but also disappointment that a highly anticipated matchup with Makhachev did not materialize yet. Despite this, Anik remains hopeful that the dream fight could still come to fruition.
During a fan question and answer session before UFC 319, Anik stated:
“I do think we’ll see Islam Makhachev back at 155 lbs. That’s the fight. That’s the dream matchup. As for how it plays out, if I had to send anybody in there, maybe across two divisions, to beat Ilia Topuria right now, I would send Islam Makhachev. I think he’s got a great shot if, in fact, he moves down.”
Analyst Din Thomas Shares His View on a Potential Topuria vs. Makhachev Clash
Last month, UFC analyst Din Thomas offered his insights on the possibility of a fight between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev. Reflecting on Makhachev’s first bout with Alexander Volkanovski, Thomas argued that Topuria could exploit some of Makhachev’s vulnerabilities, particularly in takedown attempts.
Speaking in an interview with Daniel Cormier, Thomas predicted that Topuria would have the upper hand in a matchup against Makhachev, explaining:
“I think he beats Islam. I always thought he would beat Islam. Here’s why. Because Islam, I think Islam had struggled with the Volkanovski fight. The very first Volkanovski fight, he struggled with getting underneath Alexander Volkanovski. Islam struggled to get underneath him to be able to take him down.”
Thomas elaborated further:
“He’s gonna have a hard time getting underneath Topuria. He’s gonna have a hard time getting underneath Topuria to take him down. If you don’t take him down, he’s getting knocked out.”
What a Makhachev Return to Lightweight Would Mean for the Division
The lightweight division recently saw significant changes as Makhachev transitioned to welterweight and Topuria claimed the vacant belt. A Makhachev return could reignite one of the most compelling rivalries in MMA, testing Topuria’s reign against a proven grappling specialist.
Makhachev’s potential drop back to 155 pounds carries major implications for both fighters. It may lead to a high-stakes title fight that could reshape the lightweight hierarchy. Though the welterweight matchup with Della Maddalena awaits, Anik’s prediction suggests the lightweight scene is far from settled, setting up an intriguing future showdown. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if Makhachev commits to this return and pursues the championship rematch against Topuria.