Amid ongoing debates about the UFC’s championship future, Ali Abdelaziz stepped in to clarify the situation, sending a strategic warning directly to Ilia Topuria while outlining the path for his two champions, Islam Makhachev and Justin Gaethje.
Topuria: Between Lightweight Title and Makhachev Obsession
While conventional logic expected Topuria to prepare for his first lightweight title defense against Justin Gaethje, he chose to publicly accuse Islam Makhachev of avoiding the fight. This media escalation blurred the competitive landscape, even as Makhachev showed conditional openness to the matchup.
Abdelaziz: No Room for Media Theater
Ali Abdelaziz, known for his cold and calculated management style, clarified on “X”:
Justin Gaethje will soon fight for the undisputed lightweight title, whether Topuria competes or not.
Islam Makhachev, meanwhile, will defend his welterweight title against a ranked contender.https://twitter.com/AliAbdelaziz00/status/2022478770599530835
This statement underscores to Topuria that titles are not dictated by public statements but follow a structured, regulated path.
The Unspoken Messages
Beyond the explicit words, three implicit messages emerge:
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Gaethje is the gateway to the lightweight belt, and no one can bypass him.
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Makhachev competes at -77kg, and no fight outside his weight class will be forced.
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Topuria, despite his talent, does not control the pace against strategically positioned, seasoned opponents.
Between Sport and Strategy
Ironically, defeating Makhachev would have given Topuria a historic symbolic boost and prestige within the Dagestani camp. Yet Abdelaziz temporarily closes that door, emphasizing that reaching the top requires patience and discipline, not media provocations.
Conclusion
The future of title fights will not be decided by tweets or sensational claims. Abdelaziz rebalances the playing field:
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Gaethje for the lightweight belt,
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Makhachev in welterweight,
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Topuria facing the test of patience and strategic planning.
The real question is no longer: Will Topuria fight Makhachev?
But: Is Topuria prepared to follow the long and legitimate path to the showdown?
