Despite ‘fat’ claims, ballooning Ilia Topuria wants 155 to avoid ‘weight bully’ heat: “Don’t like to be a bully and fight…”

Ilia Topuria doesn't want to catch flak as a 145-pound weight bully; eyes move to challenge Islam Makhachev for UFC lightweight gold.

Despite ‘fat’ claims, ballooning Ilia Topuria wants 155 to avoid ‘weight bully’ heat: “Don’t like to be a bully and fight…”

Ilia Topuria doesn't want to be supposedly out-of-form bully, replies to Islam Makhachev (Source: X/IMAGO)

UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria is confident he will knock out lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. ‘El Matador’ douses it has already been slated by a higher power. The reigning UFC 145-pound champ has been angling for a move-up for a while now. However, there are current deterrents to a move to 155.

For one, there’s the skill issue. Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria theorizes that Dagestani fighters must dominate the opening frames to win. With Umar Nurmagomedov suffering his first-career loss to a fellow Georgian at UFC 311, it’s become clear to him. Though Makhachev remains unconcerned, Topuria no longer wants to compete without facing any danger.

I don’t like to be a bully and fight with people that I know 100% that I’m gonna walk you his a**. You know, I, I, … I like to fight with people that the fans think that it’s gonna be very competitive….That kind of expectations I like to create. So with Islam – I’m gonna have that…[be] doing again, the rematch with, with people that I really fought. I don’t think that I’m gonna have the same kind of, of expectations, you know, for the fans. Yeah.

Ilia Topuria on FULL SEND PODCAST by Kyle Forgeard (@FULLSENDPODCAST)
YouTube video

Makhachev offers an alternative explanation for why Topuria is dreaming of a second strap. According to the Russian champion, Topuria is struggling at featherweight hydration, gaining weight from the “good life” of being champ.

The Georgian-Spanish star hydrates up to 190 lbs outside camp and has to tone down to championship weights. While not a drastic drop, like Charles Oliveira and others, the struggles are visibly there. Ilia Topuria thus explains he does not want to come under fire as a weight bully; something Team Khabib’s Makhachev knows all too well.

Longtime 155-pound king Islam Makhachev, though, is yet willing to give him a chance. First, Topuria has to hydrate a few rounds and fight the good fight at 155 first. Even AKA coach Javier Mendez believes the featherweight champion can become a true 155-pound top-seed if he proves himself over the opposition, even those like “Do Bronx.”

KO of 155-pound king is God’s work, claims confident Ilia Topuria

Hydration limits or cut issues; camp issues or skill issues – Topuria does not care. ‘El Matador’ (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) is open to rematch Aussie legend Alexander Volkanovski. He snagged the 145-pound title last February atop the UFC 298 PPV feature headliner. But, Topuria would much rather go up to 155 as it suits his natural hydration and befits his skill-to-skill KO transitive power.

Ilia Topuria predicts KO of UFC champ Islam Makhachev is sure thing
Ilia Topuria predicts KO of UFC champ Islam Makhachev is sure thing (Source: X)

His crisp striking bodywork and skill are something everyone is in awe of. Topuria’s boxing skills test against the gritty Max Holloway was such a thing that podcaster Joe Rogan nixed a media appearance with 49th VP Kamala Harris.

Ilia Topuria has high hopes of a fight with UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev sometime soon. Makhachev hasn’t shown much interest in fighting a perceived and alleged out-of-shape Topuria. But he does fit the mold of the usual 155-pound knockout talents. Consequently, El Matador believes he can find a way to finish the pound-for-pound king quite in the same manner.

We all know at some point I will connect that punch, everything will depend on what God will decide… if he wants to send Islam to sleep or not. Who knows that. I know that…[maybe] I can also submit him.

Ilia Topuria further said

As is the unspoken rule, Topuria touts some bold and crass challenges; the Spaniard is 2-0 at 145-pound limit when it comes to keeping his promises. He made dramatic predictions about Volk and Holloway and kept to it. For now, Islam Makhachev will only become his opponent if the UFC wants it. As such, until then, nothing is set in stone.

Related: Ilia Topuria rips lightweight Paddy Pimblett for crass banter on nation: “I’m gonna take your f***ing head off!”