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Umar Nurmagomedov Drops Bombshell: Was Islam Makhachev Being Asked To Leave Lightweight Division?
In a stunning revelation, Umar Nurmagomedov, teammate of Islam Makhachev, has claimed that the UFC’s intentions behind Hunter Campbell’s recent trip to Dagestan were not what everyone assumed.Rather of negotiating a highly anticipated bout between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, Nurmagomedov alleges that the UFC was attempting to persuade Makhachev to vacate his lightweight title.
This news throws a wrench into the widespread speculation surrounding Makhachev’s next title defense and the potential super fight against the former featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria. What does This mean for the future of the lightweight division?
The Dagestan Trip: Not What It Seemed?
Following Islam Makhachev’s successful submission victory over Renato Moicano at UFC 311 in January 2025, securing his fourth lightweight title defense, attention quickly shifted to a possible clash with Ilia Topuria. Topuria had vacated his featherweight title, signaling a move towards challenging for titles in multiple divisions.
However, reports surfaced indicating that Makhachev was hesitant to face topuria without the latter first establishing himself against top-ranked lightweight contenders. When Hunter Campbell, the UFC’s Chief Business Officer, journeyed to Dagestan in May 2025, it was largely interpreted as an effort to finalize negotiations for the Makhachev-Topuria super fight.
But according to Umar Nurmagomedov, the reality was quite different.
Nurmagomedov’s Allegation: UFC’s Plan for Topuria
During an interview with adam Zubayraev, Umar Nurmagomedov stated that Campbell’s visit was geared towards convincing Islam Makhachev to move up in weight, paving the way for Ilia Topuria to become the lightweight champion. Nur
