Ilia Topuria is still searching for his next opponent as he prepares for his first lightweight title defense. Arman Tsarukyan strengthened his case as the No. 1 contender with a recent win over Dan Hooker, but he’s not the only one in the hunt for lightweight gold. Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett are also in the mix. Still, there’s only one name, ‘El Matador,’ and perhaps the wider MMA public truly wants him to face—Islam Makhachev.

The Dagestani sambo phenom recently defeated Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in New York, becoming a two-division champion. In the aftermath, several contenders—such as Ian Garry and Kamaru Usman—have emerged as options for his first defense. But if Topuria hopes to meet Makhachev in the center of the Octagon, he’ll have to move up in weight and ch

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