Ilia Topuria Shuts Down Islam Makhachev’s “Size Advantage” Ahead of Potential Superfight

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is fully confident in a potential superfight with welterweight kingpin Islam Makhachev.

Ilia Topuria Shuts Down Islam Makhachev’s “Size Advantage” Ahead of Potential Superfight

Ilia Topuria dismisses any advantage Islam Makhachev has (via MMA Fighting, X)

Ilia Topuria has faced elite opponents, including Alexander Volkanovski and Charles Oliveira, in major fights. These bouts established him as a top contender across divisions. A potential fight with Islam Makhachev has yet to materialize due to divisional and contractual barriers. Topuria recently dismissed claims that the welterweight kingpin would have a significant size advantage in a potential matchup.

Makhachev reportedly walks around at 185-190 pounds between fight camps. There were doubts about how he would transition to 170 pounds for welterweight competition. However, the Dagestani star made his welterweight debut at UFC 322 and delivered a dominant performance against Jack Della Maddalena to capture the title. He looked noticeably bigger and more comfortable in the welterweight frame.

Topuria began his UFC career competing at 145 pounds in the featherweight division. He has since moved up and currently holds a dominant position at lightweight. Outside of fight camps, he reportedly walks around at 180-185 pounds, reflecting a significant natural increase in size. The Spaniard recently addressed concerns about potentially facing a size disadvantage against Makhachev if they ever meet.

Islam has more weight, more height, and all that. If I’m walking on the street and he says something to me or whoever is walking with me, I wouldn’t ask him, ‘How much do you weigh? What’s your height?’ I’d be like, ‘Let’s go.’ This is what my thought process looks like.

Ilia Topuria via Complex

The size difference between Topuria and Makhachev has been a major hurdle in making a potential fight. By the time Topuria moved up to 155 pounds, Makhachev had already vacated the lightweight title. Topuria has shown a willingness to pursue a superfight with the Dagestani phenom, even at 170 pounds. However, UFC CEO Dana White reportedly insisted he first fulfill his lightweight responsibilities.

Recent rumors suggested that a superfight between Topuria and Makhachev was targeted for the UFC Freedom 250 main event. Topuria claimed Makhachev pulled out due to a setback from a hand injury. However, Topuria’s manager, Malki Kawa, later said the fight was declined due to a low UFC payout offer. Makhachev later called out the lightweight champion for spreading false information about the situation.

Superfight or not, Ilia Topuria’s recent comments about the size difference between him and Islam Makhachev highlight his trademark confidence before every fight. This approach has remained consistent throughout his rise. Topuria is set to carry the same confidence into his upcoming UFC Freedom 250 title defense against Justin Gaethje, scheduled as the main event on June 14th at the White House card.

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Ilia Topuria reveals when trash talk reaches a boiling point for him

Ilia Topuria has often tried to avoid excessive trash talk during UFC build-ups. He usually shows respect to his opponents while still projecting strong confidence in his own abilities. This balance has made him a calm but fearsome competitor. It was evident during his UFC 317 title fight against Charles Oliveira, where he spoke about respecting the Brazilian veteran and said he did not want to hurt him.

Ilia Topuria
Ilia Topuria (via MMA Mania)

While Ilia Topuria has shown respect toward Justin Gaethje, their fight buildup has included a growing war of words on social media. Tensions escalated as Gaethje’s father made personal remarks about Topuria, prompting a heated response from the Spaniard. The situation also reignited interest in earlier FULL SEND MMA podcast comments in which Topuria discussed how he handles disrespect.

I’m respectful to my opponents because they are respectful to me. When they try to go a different way, I’m never looking for a problem but if a problem comes to me I say no problem.

Ilia Topuria via FULL SEND MMA

Ilia Topuria’s recent separation from his ex-wife Giorgina Uzcategui has added a personal layer to his public career narrative. This context suggests he may approach promotional exchanges with more intensity than before. As a result, ‘El Matador’ could be more heated in trash talk or personal comments as emotional and mental pressures build around his fights.

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