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.

Makhachev’s move up was put in place after Jack Della Maddalena defeated Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 to win the 170-pound title, setting the Aussie up to welcome the pound-for-pound number one in his first title defense.