Former Bellator champion Ben Askren suggests that Islam Makhachev could be stripped of his UFC lightweight title if he declines to fight Ilia Topuria.
“I believe Dana White should resort to his usual approach and state, `Listen, Islam, if you are unwilling to defend your title, we will strip you of it.` Dana has done this before; it`s a known tactic of his. If you are a champion, you must defend your belt against the top contender, right? And Ilia has defeated two legends consecutively, not just defeating them, but finishing them in the featherweight division – Volkanovski and Holloway. It`s quite clear he is the best, and now he`s moving up to lightweight. Arman Tsarukyan was initially slated for a title shot, but he withdrew from his fight at the last minute, necessitating him to face another opponent first. Therefore, it`s all logical: Ilia is a champion, undefeated, and has defeated two legends in a row. I don`t see how he can be denied a title opportunity,” Askren stated.
Tristan Blackwood