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Ilia Topuria Delivers Verbal Jab Toward Islam Makhachev Following UFC 311

The futures of featherweight and lightweight may already be in motion after UFC 311.

Zain Bando

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Islam Makhachev easily ran through Renato Moicano with a first-round D'arce choke submission at UFC 311, defending his lightweight title for the fourth time.

Ilia Topuria Calls Out Makhachev After UFC 311

Unfortunately for Makhachev's original opponent, Arman Tsarukyan, CEO Dana White delivered terrible news following the event. Tsarukyan won't be granted an immediate rebooking, so Makhachev will need a fresh challenger to remain active.

Although rumblings have started to surface about former Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski rematching current champion Ilia Topuria, it appears Topuria has his eyes set on a mega superfight with Makhachev instead.

Islam Makhachev Makes Short Work of Renato Moicano in UFC 311 Main Event

"Islam, if I want to, I can finish you.if I want to, I can knock you out. I'll make it look easy. [See] you soon," Topuria tweeted.

The tweet was posted Sunday morning and has since gone immensely viral, showcasing the power a live UFC event can bring in influencing future fights.

As for why Tsarukyan is getting the short end of the stick, White elaborated further but wasn't asked about the Topuria tweet.

Ilia Topuria Delivers Verbal Jab Toward Islam Makhachev Following UFC 311
Apr 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Arman Tsarukyan (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Charles Oliveira (not pictured) during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

"No. He's going back to the drawing board. I don't want anyone to ever fight hurt," White said. "Ever. We've been in these positions before. We went down with the doctor... You miss opportunities sometimes, and he did. We'll see how this plays out for him next year"

For Makhachev, it was his first fight since defeating Dustin Poirier last June, while Topuria knocked off 'BMF' champion Max Holloway in October.

Merab Dvalishvili Runs Umar Nurmagomedov Ragged in Incredible UFC 311 Title Fight

Nevertheless, both divisions have a plethora of uncertainty and much to figure out before making any rash decisions. It's clear, however, that White is comfortable with Makhachev as his champion and comfortably called him the best lightweight ever and pound-for-pound No. 1 fighter in the world.

For now, only time will tell with what's next.

More UFC & MMA News

• Former UFC Champion Announces Retirement After 13 Years

• Beneil Dariush Reacts to Losing Out on Renato Moicano Fight at UFC 311

• Ex-Champ Alexander Volkanovski Teases Boss Dana White After UFC 311 Switch-Up

• Bellator Veteran Neiman Gracie Parts Ways with PFL, Kai Kamaka III Asks for Release

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Zain Bando
ZAIN BANDO

Zain Bando is a writer for MMA Knockout, part of the Sports Illustrated/Minute Media umbrella. He has covered combat sports since 2019 for notable outlets BJPenn.com and FanSided MMA. He also co-hosts a podcast called "The MMA Outsiders," part of the Empty The Bench Podcast Network, which airs Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. A Chicago suburban native, Bando has been enthralled with MMA since 2006 and has been fortunate to attend some of the most high-profile events in the sport's history, both as a fan and media member, including UFC 264, Bellator 297 and Kayla Harrison's PFL MMA debut. He is excited to take the next step in his combat sports writing journey and looks forward to continuing his following of the fight game for years to come. Bando can be reached via email at zainbando99@gmail.com or by social media @zainbando99

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