Ilia Topuria’s Father Gets Dragged Into Beef as Movsar Evloev Makes Scathing Diss

UFC featherweight contender Movsar Evloev questions Ilia Topuria's upbringing after the champions disregarding comments on Islam Makhachev.

Ilia Topuria’s Father Gets Dragged Into Beef as Movsar Evloev Makes Scathing Diss

Movsar Evloev takes shots at Ilia Topuria (via MMA Fighting, The US Sun)

In Short
  • Ilia Topuria has criticized Islam Makhachev, accusing him of avoiding a matchup, while Makhachev has moved to the welterweight division.
  • Movsar Evloev responded to Topuria's remarks, questioning his support and suggesting he lacks qualities beyond his nationality.
  • Topuria is preparing for a title defense against Justin Gaethje, while Evloev recently extended his undefeated record to 20-0 at UFC London.

Ilia Topuria has reached the pinnacle of MMA, with his knockout power propelling him to two-division champion status. However, a fight against Islam Makhachev has yet to materialize despite mounting interest. Since moving up, Topuria has increasingly criticized the Dagestani champion, drawing attention across divisions. That tension led fellow Dagestani contender Movsar Evloev to respond with pointed remarks.

Topuria moved up from featherweight with the sole purpose of facing Makhachev. However, Makhachev had already vacated his belt and shifted to the welterweight division, later winning the title from Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. This development has made their highly anticipated proposed superfight increasingly difficult to arrange, as both fighters now have separate divisional responsibilities to fulfill.

An edited clip of Topuria resurfaced from a WOW FC press conference, where he suggested Makhachev should return to sheep herding in Dagestan if he lost to Maddalena at UFC 322. It was paired with a clip of Makhachev describing his farm as a place to rest and reconnect with nature. The sequence gained traction online and drew attention, prompting Evloev to post strong remarks directed at Topuria.

If your father had to choose one of you as his son – you or Islam – he wouldn’t choose you. You’re only supported by your own people – not for your qualities, but out of blind patriotism. And everyone else backing you? Clowns just like you.

Movsar Evloev via Instagram

Evloev’s comments were not spontaneous, as his rivalry with Topuria dates back to the Spaniard’s run at 145 pounds. Both fighters frequently exchanged verbal shots and called each other out, building tension over several years. However, the anticipated matchup never materialized because Evloev was sidelined by injury. However, by the time he returned, Topuria had already moved up to the 155-pound division.

Topuria has remained critical of Makhachev, accusing him of avoiding a matchup on several occasions. Most recently, Topuria called out Makhachev for pulling out of their potential bout at the White House event. However, his manager, Malki Kawa, later revealed the UFC did not offer an adequate purse for the superfight. These developments have fueled speculation about whether the two champions will ever meet.

Movsar Evloev recently made a statement at UFC London, defeating Lerone Murphy to extend his undefeated record to 20-0. It remains unclear if he plans to move up a division to face Ilia Topuria, who is now preparing for his title defense at UFC Freedom Fights 250 in a unification bout against Justin Gaethje. The ongoing tensions and divisional ambitions continue to shape the future of both fighters.

Ilia Topuria catches a stray from rival lightweight contender

Arman Tsarukyan was long considered the frontrunner to face Ilia Topuria for his first 155-pound title defense. However, a nine-month suspension and his last-minute withdrawal from UFC 311 made him appear unreliable in the eyes of UFC CEO Dana White. As a result, the Armenian star was snubbed from the UFC 324 interim title fight, delaying his opportunity to challenge for championship gold.

Arman Tsarukyan diminished Ilia Topuria
Arman Tsarukyan diminished Ilia Topuria (via MMA Fighting)

Tsarukyan has been vocal in accusing Topuria of avoiding a fight with him. He has posted numerous humorous videos, including one where he chased ducks while calling them by the Georgian-Spanish champion’s name. Most recently, during a stream with journalist Nina Marie Daniele, Tsarukyan was seen traveling by boat and immediately called out Topuria’s name hilariously upon spotting ducks in the water.

It remains unclear whether a bout between the two will take place. Tsarukyan is staying active in wrestling outside the UFC rather than pursuing immediate lightweight matchups. He has also hinted at moving down to featherweight for a potential fight against champion Alexander Volkanovski. Ilia Topuria continues to focus on his upcoming title defense while a clash with the Armenian star remains unresolved.

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