Islam Makhachev picks between Ilia Topuria and winner of Belal Muhammad vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov for next potential fight: "I have money"

Islam Makhachev has put forth his pick of whom he'd likely fight between Ilia Topuria and the winner of Belal Muhammad vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov.

Makhachev is the reigning UFC lightweight champion and has long been lobbying for a shot at the UFC welterweight title, which is currently held by Belal Muhammad. Muhammad has extensively trained with Makhachev and other Dagestani greats, including the retired ex-UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Additionally, Makhachev has long been at odds with UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. 'El Matador's' team has lately maintained that he could possibly fight Charles Oliveira at lightweight before a title shot against the Dagestani fighter. Makhachev too has noted that he's open to fighting Topuria.

Presently, Belal Muhammad is expected to defend his welterweight belt against Shavkat Rakhmonov, possibly in May 2025. Moreover, speculation has abounded that Ilia Topuria could defend his featherweight title in a rematch against Alexander Volkanovski next and may not get a lightweight title shot against Makhachev anytime soon.

During a recent interview with Shakiel Mahjouri, Islam Makhachev was asked whether he's likely to fight Topuria or the Muhammad-Rakhmonov fight's winner in 2025. Makhachev responded by suggesting that he'd likely fight for the welterweight title rather than face Topuria this year.

Indicating that he'd prefer chasing two-division championship glory rather than a money fight, Makhachev stated:

"I think the second one. Because this Topuria not make sense. For what? For belt, or what, money? I have money, and I don't need. I need a second belt."

Check out Islam Makhachev's comments below:

Watch the interview below (*comments at 10:02):

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Islam Makhachev and Belal Muhammad's difference of opinion over potential UFC welterweight clash

Islam Makhachev is currently scheduled to defend his UFC lightweight championship in a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 on Jan. 18, 2025. Furthermore, speaking to Adam Zubayraev in late 2024, the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov emphasized that he'd be open to fighting Makhachev at welterweight.

Belal Muhammad appears to be the only potential opponent who seems uninterested in fighting Makhachev. After submitting Dustin Poirier in June 2024, Makhachev called for a UFC welterweight title shot. Speaking to veteran commentator and octagon interviewer Joe Rogan, the lightweight champ said:

"It's my dream. I want to fight for the second belt. I want to feel that energy again. Because when you defend your belt, it's not same. I need new one."

Joe Rogan questioned if Islam Makhachev was alluding to possibly fighting for the UFC welterweight championship. Makhachev confirmed the same, reaffirming that it's his "dream." Belal Muhammad won the welterweight belt in July 2024 and suggested that Makhachev could fulfill his two-division champion ambitions by fighting and beating UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis instead.

Watch Makhachev's assessment in the video displayed on the second slide below; check out Muhammad's comments on the third slide: