The hype around a potential clash between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev was so strong, it even stole attention from the Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall fight. Many fans and MMA stars believed it could’ve been one of the biggest matchups in recent years. But the fight never happened—Topuria moved up to lightweight to chase gold, while Makhachev vacated his belt and made the jump to welterweight. Despite that, Islam’s former rival Renato Moicano is confident that if they had fought at 155, Topuria would’ve handed Makhachev a loss.
Moicano faced former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311, where he was submitted in the first round. Following that win, Makhachev expressed interest in moving up a weight class—a move that’s now official as he prepares to take on Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title. Meanwhile, ‘Money’ Moicano believes that ‘El Matador’ Ilia Topuria would have been a serious threat if the two had ever fought. In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, the former title challenger said,
“I think Ilia Topuria would beat Islam Makhachev. I think he’s the real deal and I think with his grappling and the way he moves his head and his boxing… I think he would impose a lot of trouble to Islam Makhachev.”
“I think Ilia Topuria would beat Islam Makhachev.
I think he’s the real deal and I think with his grappling and the way he moves his head and his boxing… I think he would impose a lot of trouble to Islam Makhachev.”@moicanoufc sees Ilia Topuria having success at lightweight. pic.twitter.com/Qtno3CoFr6
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 21, 2025
Meanwhile, fans were eager to see a showdown between Makhachev and Topuria. But after Makhachev announced his move to welterweight, frustrated fans began mocking the Dagestani star. Many even accused him of ducking the Spanish champion by avoiding the potential lightweight clash.
Daniel Cormier Backs Islam Makhachev’s Move To Welterweight
Fans hoped for a Belal Muhammad win to set up a blockbuster fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. But after Jack Della Maddalena’s victory, Makhachev made the move to welterweight, sparking backlash and accusations of ducking Topuria.
Daniel Cormier, known for backing his close friends from Team Khabib, came to Makhachev’s defense. Despite being criticized for favoritism, Cormier stood by Islam’s decision, calling it a rare moment of self-prioritization. In a recent YouTube video, he said:
“This is the first time, honestly, Islam has put his wishes above what everybody else wants. Because when everybody else wanted him to fight Volk, he did.”
Cormier also reminded fans that Makhachev has taken fights on short notice, proving he’s always ready to step up when needed. According to DC, Islam has consistently shown up when it counts. Now, with his move to welterweight, Cormier believes this new chapter will be an exciting ride for the fans.
Also Read: Charles Oliveira Taunts Islam Makhachev For Not ‘Chasing’ Double Champ Status