‘We will fight if we have to’… Islam Makhachev comments on his brewing rivalry with UFC star Ilia Topuria

UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has consistently talked about a potential lightweight title fight against Islam Makhachev and the rivalry appears to be developing.

Following his victory over Max Holloway at UFC 308 last October, Ilia Topuria catapulted herself to superstardom after becoming the first fighter ever to defeat 'Blessed'.

Although his next title defense will likely come in a rematch against Alexander Volkanovski, 'El Matador' has consistently talked about a possible move to lightweight in the future to take on Islam Makhachev.

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Islam Makhachev comments on his rivalry with Ilia Topuria

After defending his 155-pound title at UFC 302 earlier this year, Makhachev required surgery on his hand, which has kept him out of action for the remainder of the year.

Despite this, there are rumors that the Russian will defend his title against Arman Tsarukyan early next year, but no date has yet been set by the promotion.

However, while the 27-year-old featherweight champion continues to talk about a possible fight against Makhachev, the Russian champion has commented on the growing rivalry between the two.

The feud flared up recently when Makhachev stated that something could happen between the two on the 'street'. Topuria responded by claiming that he would only fight him in the cage because he didn't want to pay his medical bills by fighting in the streets.

'We will definitely have a conversation with him. He talks about me all the time,” Makhachev recently told Match TV.

'He probably wants to make something clear… Let's talk. We will fight if necessary. As far as my fighting career goes, I'm not interested in fighting Topuria at all. He's in a different weight class. I will beat him, and what will that do for me?

“I won't win another title. Everyone will say I beat a featherweight again. That's it. But if people really want to see him lose, we can do that,” Makhachev continued.

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Islam Makhachev still hopes to become a double champion

Despite claiming he will fight Topuria if necessary, Makhachev has dual championship plans of his own, and has done so for some time.

When Leon Edwards ruled the welterweight division, Makhachev hoped to fight the Brit for the title, but 'Rocky' subsequently lost the title to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 earlier this year.

This made things a little more difficult for the Russian as he is a training partner of Mohammed and therefore unlikely to fight him for the title.

“I have other goals. I want to win a second belt. If you want to remain in history, you have to do something memorable,” Makhachev said.

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