The words war between UFC champions Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria continues – and now the Dagestani Wrecking Ball becomes personal with his attacks.
While Islam Makhachev has plagued a switch to middleweight, many MMA fans expect the next champion versus matchup from below against a superstar, instead of above.
Unbelved UFC Featherweight King Ilia 'El Matador' Topuria would like to leave his own stamp on 155 pounds, and it is safe to say that the newest attack by Makhachev will not be in the right place with the Spanish-Georgian sensation.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Islam Makhachev accuses Ilia Topuria of being too fat for featherweight
UFC lightweight champion and pound-for-pound best hunter in the world, Islam Makhachev, recently sat down for an interview with the Russian Combat Sports Outlet 'Match TV'.
At one point in the conversation, the interviewer Makhachev asked about Ilia Topuria and claimed that he was the best hunter on the selection and that he could “do what he wants” against him.
“He thinks this for himself, but nobody else talks about it,” replied Makhachev, before he revealed that he is slowly warming up for the idea of that champion vs champions showdown.
“Maybe [I am warming up to this]But I heard that he has problems reducing weight, that he can no longer fit in the limit in his weight class … He has probably already become fat from the good life, and he wants to leave that belt and go up.
“But I'm not going to give him a chance because he didn't do all the work in his weight class. He has only one defense. He has other contenders he should have beaten, but he doesn't want to see any more weight. “
The range of Makhachev was simple; Either Topuria protects a few title defenses in featherweight or moved to 155 pounds and first take one of the best contenders in the division.
“So let him go up, and when he earns his chances, we will certainly fight.”
Just as Makhachev spoke to match TV, Ilia Topuria himself sat down for a fascinating interview on the entire podcast.
🗣️ Islam Makhachev on Ilia Topuria:
'I heard it [Ilia] Has problems to reduce weight … he has probably already become fat from the good life …
Let him go up and when he earns his chance, we will certainly fight. '
🎥 @Matchtv #ufc #mmapic.twitter.com/7RJHW94SZK
– Championship Rounds (@champrds) February 14, 2025
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Ilia Topuria explains why he wants to fight against UFC champion Islam Makhachev
With full shipping, Topuria teased that his next title fight was already discussed behind the scenes and that he is now just waiting for the UFC to make the announcement.
'I don't want to say anything because [the UFC] asked me not to say anything. But hopefully we will have a few announcements soon. Maybe the next week. “
'El Matador' would then explain why he wants to fight with Makhachev in the first place – apart from obtaining a second UFC championship title and the payment day that goes with it.
“I don't like to be a bully and fight with people I know 100% are going to throw his A -. I like to fight with people that the fans think it will be very competitive … with Islam, I will have that. “
Yet Makhachev is not the only lightweight in the Vdenkers of Topuria, he later teases that he would like to throw over with various iconic former champions.
“Imagine a fight between me and I love that dog Dustin Poirier – he is finished – – hunter, he is going to fight until he dies … That is a very exciting fight, I think, for me and the fans.”
Poirier believes that Topuria can eliminate 'anyone from 145 pounds to 170 pounds', although 'the diamond' also noted that his toughest test against Makhachev would be.
'Islam is a great fight, Charles [Oliveira] Is a great fight, Justin Gaethje is a great fight, “Topuria continued:” I can call so many great fights that can happen in the lightweight division. “
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