Before Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) vacated his UFC lightweight title, he dismissed ex-featherweight champ Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) as his next title challenger. He wasn't interested in defending his belt against another 145-pounder coming up a weight class after two of his four lightweight title defenses coming over Alexander Volkanovski.

Alexander Volkanovski’s dream bout is a rematch against Ilia Topuria with the Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight title on the line.

The UFC is heading for a confusing place regarding International Fight Week. The annual marquee event generally features a huge main event, and many believed that a matchup between current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria would be that matchup.