Ali Abdelaziz praised Ilia Topuria as one of the best talents in recent years, but emphasized that Islam Makhachev’s achievements set him apart. He highlighted Islam’s impressive 15-fight winning streak in the UFC and noted that Islam finished nine of his last ten fights.

As Ilia Topuria decisively defeated Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to become the lightweight champion, interest in a potential fight between him and Islam Makhachev has surged.

After brutally knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, Ilia Topuria officially became the new UFC lightweight champion. Heading into the fight, he was the betting favorite, but few expected a first-round finish against the dangerous former champion.