Islam Makhachev makes eye-opening remarks on potential Ilia Topuria clash at UFC 311 presser: "I need my second belt"

While Ilia Topuria is on a crusade to secure a fight against Islam Makhachev, the lightweight champion seems to have other plans. The Dagestani has now given the final verdict on a potential match-up against the Georgian-Spanish featherweight champion.

During a press conference for his upcoming title defense against Arman Tsarukyan, Makhachev dismissed a fight against 'El Matador', saying he no longer sees the value in granting another 145-pound champion a shot at lightweight gold.

He previously took on former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski twice, beating him on both occasions. During the UFC 311 presser, the lightweight kingpin elaborated on his reasoning for not wanting to face Topuria, saying:

"I'm tired of giving chances to small guys. I need my second belt. It's nothing exciting, he [Topuria] is a good fighter, he is a good, skilled fighter, but I don't want to give him a chance... Fight for what? For me it's nothing. Just his name? I don't need his name, I need the belt."

Check out Islam Makhachev's comments on potential Ilia Topuria clash below:

Makhachev's pursuit of a second title, however, might not be that simple. Belal Muhammad, who currently holds the welterweight strap, is a close associate of team Khabib Nurmagomedov.

'Remember the Name' often trains with Makhachev and Nurmagomedov in the lead-up to his fights. If Muhammad loses the 170-pound title or changes divisions, the current pound-for-pound king will be eyeing champ-champ status.

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When Belal Muhammad weighed in on Ilia Topuria calling out Islam Makhachev

Ilia Topuria is eager to prove his mettle by taking on Islam Makhachev, but Belal Muhammad is convinced that it is not a good idea and wants the featherweight champion to stick to his weight class.

'Remember the Name' has trained with the lightweight champion and believes that Makhachev is levels above the rest of the competition at 155 pounds. In an interview with Hele Yee in October, the welterweight champion warned Topuria about the Dagestani, saying:

"Yeah, I mean be careful what you wish for right? If you are Ilia, you've got a lot of guys in your division you still have to fight and Ilia is at a point where you are undefeated, you're getting a lot of hype. So now you're starting to call out and play that game of trying to be that next [Conor] McGregor but you don't want to mess with Islam man... You want a street fight? They'll street-fight you. He sees you, you disrespect him, he is going to show you what disrespect means from Dagestan."

Check out Belal Muhammad's comments on Ilia Topuria calling out Islam Makhachev below (7:37):