According to former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev`s next title defense will not be against Ilia Topuria.
Cejudo stated in an interview with Mike Bohn that while Makhachev is willing to fight anyone, Khabib Nurmagomedov is likely influencing the decision-making process. Cejudo speculates Nurmagomedov might prefer Topuria to gain more experience before a title shot, suggesting Makhachev might face Justin Gaethje instead.
This comes after Topuria, who previously held the featherweight belt, claimed that UFC management had guaranteed him a fight with Makhachev.
