Ilia Topuria vows to destroy Islam Makhachev; personally ‘rejects’ Alexander Volkanovski rematch
UFC featherweight king Ilia Topuria doesn't want to fight Alexander Volkanovski and instead aims for Islam Makhachev.
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Ilia Topuria is more interested in fighting Islam Makhachev than Alexander Volkanovski (via Imago)
Ilia Topuria is currently one of the most trending fighters on the UFC roster. The featherweight king, a few months ago, dominantly defended his belt and is eager for his next outing. While reports suggest a title rematch with Alexander Volkanovski, the champ wants to move up into Islam Makhachev‘s territory.
Last year, Topuria knocked out Volkanovski to win the featherweight championship at UFC 298. Many thought that Volk made a mistake by rushing to fight after UFC 294 KO loss. Now, the Aussie fighter is ready for the rematch and the UFC has also shown interest. However, Topuria doesn’t want it.
I don’t know anything yet because I didn’t sign any contract….Me personally, What I wanna do is to move up to the 155 because I know by fact that I can become a two-weight world champion.
Ilia Topuria via mainevent
The knockout artist has been talking about moving up for a long time to become a two-division champion. Topuria is one of the most complete fighters in the division and believes he has the tools to beat Islam Makhachev. According to the featherweight fighter, he would like the 155 lbs more than staying in the featherweight division.
Islam is a great fighter, #1 P4P, but for me it’s me, I’m the best in the world and I know I can do with him whatever I want because I’m much better than him.
Ilia Topuria via mainevent
🚨 Ilia Topuria on Islam Makhachev:
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) February 5, 2025
"What I want is to go up to 155”
“Islam is a great fighter, #1 P4P, but for me it's me, I'm the best in the world and I know I can do with him whatever I want because I'm much better than him”
🎥 @MainEventTV pic.twitter.com/YkhKRhOfKY
Topuria’s team recently talked about ‘El Matador’ having trouble cutting down to 145 lbs regularly. On top of that, Topuria has established a rivalry with Makhachev, which can be used as a promotion. It will be interesting to see whether Volkanovski finally gets what he’s been waiting for for a year.
Alexander Volkanovski reacts to Ilia Topuria preferring the Islam Makhachev fight
Alexander Volkanovski used to be one of the most dominant champions in the UFC and ran through his division with ease. In order to challenge himself, he moved up and fought Islam Makhachev twice. He lost both the fights and the last one was a brutal KO, which impacted his performance against Ilia Topuria.
Irrespective of his last fights, the Aussie superstar is undoubtedly a capable and dangerous threat with superstar status. The rematch between him and the Georgian-Spaniard could do huge numbers. In a recent interview, Volk gave his opinion on Topuria’s intentions to move up.
I think they are trying to figure that out. We got a date that we want. They know I want to fight. They want me to fight for the belt. If not I will fight with whoever for that belt.
Alexander Volkanovski via mainevent
Topuria vs. Makhachev, on the other hand, has the potential to be the second Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor. The pound-for-pound king is currently in his prime and isn’t interested in fighting a featherweight. Now, everything depends on the UFC top brass and what they push the storyline.
Related: Ilia Topuria Net Worth, UFC Contract, Endorsements, and House
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Ameetosh Dash
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