This weekend, Ilia Topuria called out UFC welterweight Belal Muhammad. Muhammad was announced as the Main Event for UFC 310 in December, defending his title against one of the most dangerous fighters in the UF. Shavkat Rakhmonov.
During an Instagram live this weekend, a fan asked Topuria his thoughts on Shavkat Rakhmonov vs Belal Muhammad.
“Belal, he’s a fake champ. He’s a fake.” Topuria responded.
Topuria criticized Belal’s low finish rate and boring fight style and believes that Kamaru Usman will easily regain the welterweight title.
The welterweight champion did not take Topuria’s criticism kindly. “Didn’t this dork just buy a fake BMF belt to pose with.. he’s starting to become the Georgian version of Coby Covington” Muhammad fired back on X. Muhammad easily defeated Leon Edwards at UFC 304 in July but still doesn’t get the respect he deserves as a brilliant fighter.
This week Topuria has taken shots at Islam Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, and Belal Muhammad. Like Conor McGregor, Topuria seems like he will call out anyone near his weight class.
"I want to be a legend, I don't want to be just another one. I want to be remembered for eternity." Topuria told Marca in a 2023 interview.
Topuria has set his eyes on clashes with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev following UFC 308. He has talked a lot of trash and gained the attention of welterweight champion Bella Muhammad. He wants to fight the champions. He wants to move up in weight. He wants to be what Conor McGregor was supposed to be.
Topuria dominates the headlines, gets under the skin of other fighters, and demands big fights. He is exciting to watch.
However, he may be looking ahead too much. Max Holloway is the BMF champion. He has never been knocked out and he is the definition of a modern warrior. Topuria cannot underestimate his opponent. But like McGregor, it may be all a part of the show and promotion to become the biggest star in the UFC.
Ilia Topuria's recent criticisms of UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad highlight his ambition to become a prominent figure in the sport, drawing parallels to Conor McGregor's promotional tactics. However, Topuria must remain focused on his upcoming challenges, particularly against formidable opponents like Max Holloway, to solidify his legacy in the UFC.
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