He previously reigned as featherweight king, knocking out all-time greats Alexander Oliveira and Max Holloway in championship bouts. While Topuria is relishing his accomplishment, it was slightly dimmed by Oliveira not being the incumbent champion.

Landing a record-setting win at lightweight back at UFC 311, Makhachev has now set sail from the division — with rival Ilia Topuria taking over in his place. Still not ruling out a return to 155lbs, Makhachev wants to fight before the end of the year at the welterweight limit.