Islam Makhachev was sent a warning by Ilia Topuria just moments after dispatching Renato Moicano in a hurry at UFC 311.
The UFC’s reigning lightweight champion avoided a banana skin after the Brazilian stepped in at short notice after Arman Tsarukyan suffered a late injury.
But in the immediate aftermath of the fight, UFC featherweight champion Topuria made a bold prediction with many calling for the champions to meet in the Octagon.
Makhachev was able to inflict a D’Arce choke submission to end the contest against Moicano after just one round, despite a scary moment which saw the Russian dropped.
The 155-pound champion is also widely considered to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, with the electric Spaniard eager for a shot to stake his own claim to the ultimate UFC throne, with heavyweight champion Jon Jones’ future unclear.
“Islam, If I want to, I can finish you,” Topuria said with options few and far between for who can challenge Makhachev.
“I can finish you if I want to, I can knock you out. I’ll make it look easy. See you soon.”
The Russian has retained his belt four times in a row to break a tie with three other legendary fighters, including his mentor and compatriot Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Benson Henderson and BJ Penn also defended their respective titles on three occasions.
And now the 33-year-old has called on a new challenge: "I like this belt. If somebody wants this belt, come to the cage.
"I'm always looking for the finish. I'm not just talk. All fight week, all my camp, all media, if my opponent gives me a small chance, I will close the night.”
While a dejected Moicano bemoaned a chance wasted: “I’m very sad. I spent my whole life for this moment and I tapped in the first round. I’m not done. I don’t know if I will ever get a chance like that but I will try my best to do it.”
