Ilia Topuria makes outlandish claims about Islam Makhachev as UFC champ lays conditions to accept fight

UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria mocks Islam Makhachev for not granting the lightweight title shot.

Ilia Topuria makes outlandish claims about Islam Makhachev as UFC champ lays conditions to accept fight

Ilia Topuria thinks Islam Makhachev is scared of fighting him (via Imago/Instagram)

The rivalry between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria has taken another turn. The lightweight champion has suggested that the Georgian-Spanish star must first earn his shot in the 155-pound division. However, the featherweight king sees things differently – he believes Makhachev’s hesitation stems from a deeper reason.

‘El Matador’ is definitely one of the most complete fighters on the UFC roster. The featherweight fighter is currently on a red hot form and has the ability to knock out anybody in the lightweight division. According to the rising superstar, the Dagestani champion doesn’t want the smoke because he wants to hold onto the title longer.

He’s afraid. Of course he’s afraid… as usual, it’s an easy fight until they put your name on the contract. We all know, if it were that easy and if I’m small as he says, he would already share the octagon with me

Ilia Topuria via Marca 
YouTube video

Topuria expressed that Khabib Nurmagomedov being a good adviser to Makhachev must have understood the risk in the fight. The champ has confirmed that he will definitely move up to 155 and doesn’t necessarily need the Makhachev fight to prove his credentials. Going forward, he has already talked about potential lightweight opponents who could be the right fit for his debut. 

Ilia Topuria has shown interest in fighting top fighters such as Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira, which has caught the attention of fans. On top of that, rising threat Paddy Pimblett is also ready to welcome Topuria to the division. However, the biggest fight undoubtedly is the clash between Makhachev and Topuria. 

UFC veteran talks about Islam Makhachev fighting Ilia Topuria 

Islam Makhachev has defended his lightweight title four times and has remained unbeaten with each battle. In his last outing, the Dagestani submitted short-notice fighter Renato Moicano in the very first round, showing the difference in level. As the pound-for-pound king of UFC, Makhachev doesn’t care about the opponent and is ready to fight anybody.

UFC veteran thinks Islam Makhachev doesn't owe Ilia Topuria a title shot
UFC veteran thinks Islam Makhachev doesn’t owe Ilia Topuria a title shot (via Instagram)

Makhachev’s first two title defenses were against former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. Now, the Dagestani fighter doesn’t want to give more title opportunities to featherweights like Ilia Topuria. A similar thought process was shared by UFC legend Chael Sonnen in his new YouTube video. 

Let’s stop with this charade. Islam has already done favor to the 45-pounders and by the way 45 pounders show they do not have what it takes to deal with Islam, that happened. That’s a proven fact, you might think you’re an exception, but we can’t ask a guy to take the risk for you to prove something good, he gets to prove nothing.

Chael Sonnen via his YouTube channel 
YouTube video

Islam Makhachev is currently more focused on moving up and becoming a double champion. With Belal Muhammad as the welterweight champion, his expectations have taken a back seat. However, the Dagestani fighter definitely becoming restless and eager to get his hands on that second belt. 

Related: Islam Makhachev Net Worth, Endorsements, UFC contract, Wife and House