UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria was uncomplimentary to Islam Makhachev following the lightweight titleholder's win at UFC 311.
Islam Makhachev scored a quick finish over short-notice opponent Renato Moicano in the UFC 311 main event. After facing Arman Tsarukyan in the headliner of UFC 311, Tsarukyan withdrew due to injury just hours before the official weigh-in, and Moicano was promoted to the main event.
Makhachev's dominant victory over Moicano set the record for most UFC lightweight title defenses (5) in the promotion's history. He surpassed Benson Henderson, BJ Penn and his longtime friend and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov to earn the record.
Many fighters and analysts were complimentary of Makhachev following his lopsided victory at UFC 311. Topuria, who has recently had bad blood with Makhachev ahead of a potential lightweight move, didn't take long to assess Makhachev's performance on social media.
Photos by Harry How/Getty Images, Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Ilia Topuria warns Islam Makhachev about a possible lightweight move after UFC 311
In a recent tweet, Topuria called out Makhachev after his UFC 311 win.
“Islam, if I want, I can kill you. If I want, I can knock you out,” Topuria tweeted. “I'll make it look easy. See you soon [winks].”
Topuria recently announced his intention to move up to lightweight following his most recent featherweight title defense against Max Holloway at UFC 309. He became the first fighter to knock out Holloway after defeating Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title earlier this year.
Leading up to UFC 311, Makhachev admitted that he would rather face his teammate, Belal Muhammad, for the welterweight title than Topuria. Makhachev has long teased a move to welterweight, and after defeating another lightweight contender, he could turn his attention to a two-division championship chase.
Topuria and Makhachev's build includes the featherweight champion's mother warning Makhachev about her son's street fighting past, and Makhachev threatening Topuria if they cross paths. Makhachev also recently backed Movsar Evloev to take on Topuria for his next featherweight title defense.
After Topuria's tweet went viral, it didn't take long for Makhachev to respond to the featherweight champion's call.
Islam Makhachev has a new contender in Ilia Topuria if he chooses to continue his light reign
Following Tsarukyan's last-second withdrawal from UFC 311, UFC CEO Dana White fired Tsarukyan as the next man in for Makhachev and hinted that Tsarukyan would have to win one more fight before getting another title shot. Charles Oliveira, Makhachev's former foe at UFC 280, is also in the mix for a possible rematch.
Topuria made his lightweight debut in March 2022, defeating Jai Herbert in come-from-behind fashion at a UFC Fight Night in London. He is 16-0 in his career with recent wins over Josh Emmett, Bryce Mitchell and Ryan Hall.
Makhachev vs. Topuria would add to what should be another stack of UFC events in 2025. If Makhachev welcomes Topuria to the division with an immediate title shot, fans will be in for a treat before and during their matchup.
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