American mixed martial arts veteran, expert and commentator Chel Sonnen believes that Elijah Topuria should have one interim bout at lightweight to drum up interest in a title fight with Islam Makhachev.
"Elijah Topuria is an undefeated world champion and wherever he goes, it's an opportunity to fight for the title. However, the UFC hasn't announced anything. The Elijah vs. Islam fight is big, but it's not a blockbuster like, say, Aspinall vs. Jones.
If Elijah beats Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukian or Gaethje and then there is an announcement of his fight with Islam, that fight will not be inferior to the Aspinall vs. Jones fight," Sonnen said on ESPN.
