Well, well, well! It’s a great time to be a UFC fan, especially if you’re obsessed with the lightweight division. But why? Well, there have been quite a few contenders making their cases to face Islam Makhachev for the title, but Ilia Topuria seems to be the one making the most noise. But what do his fellow UFC fighters think about him fighting for the title on his return to 155 lbs? Well, they have made their picks, and Topuria’s got some favorable reactions as well.

It’s been quite a few weeks for Ilia Topuria as he not only got a street named after him in Spain, but also made his debut on Joe Rogan‘s multi-million-dollar podcast. “With the one and only [Joe Rogan],” ‘La Leyenda’ stated in a post on Instagram while sharing a picture from the sets of the Joe Rogan Experience. While we wait to see what conversation they have on the show when the episode drops, let’s hear it from his fellow UFC fighters about his admission into a title fight.

During a recent video posted by The Schmo on YouTube, he had a number of fighters from various divisions (but mostly from the lightweight division) making their picks for Islam Makhachev’s next opponent. Guess what? Renato Moicano, the man who last fought the Dagestan native, is on the Ilia Topuria bandwagon. “I think he should fight Ilia Topuria. In my opinion, that’s the matchup I want to see, you know,” Moicano stated.

Similarly, 185 lbs prospect Bo Nickal appeared to echo the same sentiment, claiming that Islam Makhachev vs Ilia Topuria would be a fight that the UFC head honcho, Dana White, sets up for the fans. “I’d love to see a fight between him and Topuria… I’d love to see Ilia and Islam match up there. I think it would be a super fan-friendly fight,” the 7-0 fighter told The Schmo.

One of the fighters who’s been calling out for a title fight, Justin Gaethje, also weighed in on the situation. While he did mention himself as the next opponent for Islam Makhachev, he didn’t seem to be opposed to the UFC handing that opportunity to former champion Charles Oliveira, who’s ranked #2nd in the rankings. Interestingly, Gaethje also added Ilia Topuria to the conversation as well, boosting the Georgian-Spaniard’s case to fight for the belt on his lightweight return. “One of those three names has to fight for the belt—me, Oliveira, or Topuria.”

To add more fuel to Ilia Topuria’s case for a title shot against Islam Makhachev, former Bellator champ Michael Chandler has also given a thumbs up to the former featherweight champion. But why? Well, he believes this fight’s going to do good business for Dana White and Co.. “Biggest fight that they can… I think him [Topuria] vs Islam would make the most probably business sense for the UFC as far as the biggest fight,” said ‘Iron’ Mike.

But then there was Arman Tsarukyan, who for most people is the most legit contender for Islam Makhachev’s throne. Fellow lightweight Grant Dawson sided with the Armenian star on this one, claiming that injuries can happen to anyone at any time, but that does not take away the fact that ‘Ahalkalakets’ has proved his mettle with his record.

“Personally, I think he should be fighting Arman Tsarukyan, you know. I think Arman’s put in the work. I think he’s got a win streak going. He’s #1 ranked,” said Grant Dawson. “We’ve always had injuries. We’ve all had to back out of fights. We’ve all had to let opportunities pass by. I think Arman should be next, in all fairness.”

But what does Khabib Nurmagomedov think about his protégé’s next fight? Well, the 36-year-old is leaning more towards the fighter who’s more established as a lightweight, and if you’ve guessed who that is, you’re probably right.

Khabib Nurmagomedov wants Islam Makhachev to fight Arman Tsarukyan

Recently, reports emerged that Khabib Nurmagomedov had allegedly been blocking Ilia Topuria from getting a lightweight title shot. But why? Well, after his recent statements made waves on social media, the reason has become pretty clear. Just like Islam Makhachev claims about fighting ‘real contenders’, his mentor is also in favor of giving Arman Tsarukyan the chance he lost at UFC 311. The reason why ‘The Eagle’ deems the #1 contender as the one who deserves a title shot is because Khabib believes he has a more competitive edge than Ilia Topuria.

“My personal opinion — not necessarily [more] dangerous, let’s say more competitive — I think it’s [Arman] Tsarukyan. I think Arman is a more serious fighter than Topuria,” Khabib Nurmagomedov stated in a recent interview. “Topuria is a good fighter at 145, but we haven’t seen him at 155. I believe Arman is more competitive for Islam than Topuria.” Moreover, AKA head coach Javier Mendez also sided with Arman Tsarukyan on fighting Islam Makhachev next because he’s seen similarities in his and Khabib’s journey.

Well, Dana White is yet to make any announcements on Islam Makhachev’s next fight. But if he does, who do you think gets to compete for the title? Drop your comments below.