Sick of Rumors, Islam Makhachev Puts End to Ilia Topuria Saga With Clarification

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev finally breaks silence after constant trash talk and accusations from Ilia Topuria.

Sick of Rumors, Islam Makhachev Puts End to Ilia Topuria Saga With Clarification

Islam Makhachev calls out Ilia Topuria (via Instagram)

The UFC has seen countless rivalries since its inception, many producing some of the biggest fights in combat sports history. These clashes peak when both fighters are in their prime and at the top of their careers. A current example is a potential superfight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. Their rivalry has taken a new turn, with Makhachev calling out Topuria for false claims about a canceled bout.

The situation began when Topuria moved up from featherweight and defeated Charles Oliveira to win the lightweight title at UFC 317 after Makhachev had vacated the belt during his move up. The Dagestani star then transitioned to welterweight, where he defeated Jack Della Maddalena to claim the title at UFC 322. This sequence left their fight stalled, as both champions had active divisional obligations to fulfill.

Rumors emerged that a fight between Makhachev and Topuria was targeted for UFC Freedom 250, but was later tied to an unconfirmed hand injury to Makhachev. The Spaniard recently revealed he was ready and received a call hours before the White House card announcement, where the UFC informed him he would instead face interim champion Justin Gaethje. This led to the Dagestani champion issuing a heated response.

I’m tired of hearing made-up stories from Topuria and his team. I got the call and accepted the fight at the White House. The next day, I was told he asked for an unrealistic purse. The UFC declined, and he pulled out. That’s it nothing more to it. Even his manager confirmed it. Ilia, stop talking. Every interview you give tells a different story. You pulled out, and you know it.

Islam Makhachev via X

Topuria reacted strongly to early reports of Makhachev withdrawing. However, UFC CEO Dana White later stated the fight was never under consideration. In a further development, Topuria’s manager Malki Kawa said their team declined the bout due to a low offer, while the UFC rejected their counter proposal. Kawa’s comments confirmed financial terms were a key issue in the failed matchup negotiations overall.

The lightweight champion has consistently taken shots at Makhachev, including criticism of his performance against Maddalena at UFC 322. He questioned the pace and overall output of that fight in particular. The Georgian-Spanish champion has also called out the welterweight titleholder for low-action outings, contrasting them with his own fights that feature knockouts and high-paced exchanges.

Frustrations with Ilia Topuria appear to have been building for Islam Makhachev over time as tensions continued to escalate. The Spaniard also took shots at UFC legend and Makhachev’s coach Khabib Nurmagomedov, further intensifying the situation. These developments have raised the stakes and deepened the rivalry, setting up a potential superfight between the two in the future.

Islam Makhachev confirms no involvement from controversial manager after recent rant

Ali Abdelaziz is an MMA manager and founder of Dominance MMA Management, established in 2008, representing several UFC champions. A former fighter with a 1–3 record, he transitioned into management and has long worked with Islam Makhachev. He has handled contracts and negotiations while also managing fighters from the same camp, including Khabib Nurmagomedov during his title run.

Islam Makhachev and Ali Abdelaziz
Islam Makhachev and Ali Abdelaziz (via Instagram)

However, Abdelaziz is widely known in the MMA community for allegedly handling social media activity for his fighters, with many believing he posts controversial messages to build rivalries and promote fights. This perception resurfaced after Makhachev’s recent rant aimed at Ilia Topuria, which some again attributed to his manager. The speculation ultimately led to the Dagestani champion issuing a three-word reply.

Today not him.

Islam Makhachev via X

The situation reflects broader stakes in the rivalry, as narratives around negotiations and public perception continue to shape potential matchups. Islam Makhachev has treated the issue seriously, directly addressing speculation and distancing himself from claims about outside control of his statements. With tensions still rising, the dispute adds weight to any future clash involving Ilia Topuria.

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