Ilia Topuria: Islam Makhachev was always the target, but ‘he decided to run away’

Ilia Topuria got almost everything he wanted at UFC 317.

“El Matador” scored a stunning knockout of Charles Oliveira in this past Saturday’s main event to claim a vacant lightweight championship, maintain his undefeated record, and join the exclusive list of UFC fighters to hold titles in two weight classes. 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. The lightweight title was vacated by Islam Makhachev, who is also moving up a division to welterweight to challenge Jack Della Maddalena.

It’s Makhachev that Topuria had in his sights when he jumped up to 155 pounds.