Recent exchanges between UFC star Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria have talked about a feud between two Caukasus regions.
Dagestan has a long history of producing some of the greatest hunters, including dominant teammates Khabib Nurmagomedov and Makhachev. In addition to other striking sport, they train, such as the cousins of Khabib, Umar and Usman.
In recent years, however, the Georgia has risen to become an MMA power patient, with Topuria and Merab Dvalishvili who in particular won UFC Gold.
This has led to inevitable comparisons between the two regions, especially in view of the deep wrestling roots embedded in the history of both.
Recently the connection between them took a somewhat dark turn after Makhachev and Topuria had exchanged furious words on social media. Topuria even used Makhachev's native language to insult him.
Difference between me and me, that I cleaned the top list in my division, went to the next, but you ran away from two contenders who had consecutive 5-9 victories in the FW division. You are no one in LW Division, just a big mouth of Spain with a beautiful hairstyle. Get a w there, and we can talk boy
– Makhachev Islam (@makhachevmma) 15 May 2025
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Roman Dolidze rejects the talk about Dagestan vs Georgia despite Islam Makhachev-Ilia Topuria Veke
The bitter feud between the two pound-for-pound stars comes months after the title fight of Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov that causes Dagestan vs Georgia debates.
But according to Roman Dolidze, another Georgian high point that makes waves in the UFC, every legitimate hostile rivalry between the two regions is isolated for certain people.
“I will tell you from my perspective: it is very childish for me and is not logical,” said Dolidze during an appearance on Mike Perry's overog pop cast.
“I don't like it when people bring nationalities and countries to sports. For me it's just sport.
“It is very childish. I see and hear a lot in the UFC when some boys like to fight; they use these things,” Dolidze continued. “These guys, they just throw these words just to warm up fights and sell more.
“That is why when they bring these things about Dagestan vs Georgia, I disagree.”
Ilia Topuria stirred talking about Dagestan-Georgia beef with UFC 311 reaction
In terms of some hunters who smash the flames of the potential beef, Topuria seems to be one of them.
January saw the former UFC -Fedweight champion take a shot in Dagestan after the victory of Dvalishvili over Nurmagomedov in Los Angeles.
'El Matador' wrote on social media: “Merab, my brother, what a hunter are you! You make us so proud. This is what happens when Dagestani struggles meets Georgian wrestling.”
Merab, my brother, what a hunter you are! You make us so proud. This is what happens when Dagestani struggles Georgian struggles meets 👏erson
– Ilia Topuria (@topuriailia) January 19, 2025
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While Topuria had hoped to share the cage with a Dagestani in the form of Makhachev, the decision of the lightweight champion to go up in weight has to make those plans.
Instead, the Georgian-Spaniard will fight the Brazilian Charles Oliveira for the soon-vacant crown on UFC 317 on 28 June.