Javier Mendez isn’t sure if Ilia Topuria has earned the right to challenge UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev . Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) vacated his featherweight title for a move up to 155 pounds, and wants to challenge Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) for the lightweight title. While the UFC didn’t announce what’s next for Topuria yet, Mendez would rather Makhachev’s next title defense didn’t come against another 145-pounder.
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