Undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev has been widely backed to take on former featherweight titleholder, Ilia Topuria this summer, however, according to his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, a pairing with stablemate, Justin Gaethje is a much more “exciting” pairing.
Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight kingpin, also sits atop the promotion’s pound-for-pound pile.
Headlining UFC 311 at the beginning of the year, Russian finisher, Makhachev landed his fourth successful defense of the divisional crown — submitting short-notice foe, Renato Moicano with an opening round D’Arce choke.