Ilia Topuria Sets Eyes on Lightweight Fight vs Islam Makhachev
By Tim Burke October 04, 2024 13:16
UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria made headlines this week with his latest Instagram live where he answered fan questions.
When a fan asked Topuria if he saw himself moving up to lightweight to face the seemingly invincible Islam Makhachev, the youngest active UFC champion did not hold back.
“ I definitely see myself fighting him, he is a great fighter. He talks too much, sometimes. But we can settle in the octagon. Not outside the cage though. I’d have to pay for his recovery.”
Topuria has made it clear he seeks the biggest fights and the toughest challenges for his UFC career and a fight with Makhachev may be the biggest.
Makhachev is cousins with Khabib Nurmagomedov and Umar Nurmagomedov. Together the three Russian wrestlers are 73-1 in MMA. They are a dominant force and the best fighters in the world.
Makhachev, the only active UFC champion of the three, provides the biggest challenge for Ilia Topuria. By calling out Makhachev, Topuria is creating a demand for that fight. He is also creating an interesting rivalry in the process.
Umar Nurmagomedov, who has an upcoming fight with Topuria's friend and countryman Merab Dvalishvili chimed in on Topuria's comments about Makhachev.
“When did you ever fight in the streets European boy” Nurmagomedov fired back.
Topuria responded to the diss on his X account. “It has been a long time, to be honest. How are you doing with drugs? Are you still on steroids?” - Topuria responded on Twitter. A serious and strong accusation to make.
Ilia Topuria could soon become the biggest star in MMA. He is 15-0, he is fighting against Max Holloway in the biggest fight of the year on October 26th. A win would certainly elevate his stardom and would make him the slam dunk choice for Fighter of the Year.
Away from the octagon, Topuria has always managed to stay in the headlines. Calling out fighters, talking trash making wildly confident statements. The UFC has not seen a fighter this good at staying in the headlines since Conor McGregor. Topuria understands the game, who to call out, and what to say. He may not be as controversial l as McGregor but he understands what made McGregor so big outside of the octagon was his ability to trash talk and stay in the news. This month alone, Topuria has called out Conor McGregor, Sean O'Malley, Islam Makhachev, Max Holloway, and Umar Nurmagomedov.
Ilia Topuria's recent statements highlight his ambition to face the toughest challenges in the UFC, particularly targeting Islam Makhachev, which not only showcases his confidence but also sets the stage for a potential rivalry that could elevate his status in the sport. As he prepares for a significant fight against Max Holloway, Topuria's ability to generate buzz and engage in trash talk positions him as a rising star in mixed martial arts.
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