Islam Makhachev Promises to Settle ‘Unhappy’ Ilia Topuria’s Problems With Team Khabib

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev vows to sort out Ilia Topuria's aggressiveness towards his team.

Islam Makhachev Promises to Settle ‘Unhappy’ Ilia Topuria’s Problems With Team Khabib

Islam Makhachev talks about Ilia Topuria's recent rants (via MMA Fighting, Instagram)

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Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria have been on similar paths recently, both moving up in weight and capturing titles across multiple divisions. Topuria vacated the featherweight belt and soon began calling for a fight with Makhachev. The lightweight champion has remained vocal about that ambition ever since. The Dagestani champion recently responded to Topuria’s trash talk, acknowledging the growing tension.

Topuria moved up from the 145-pound division with the primary goal of fighting Makhachev for the lightweight championship. However, Makhachev had already committed to moving up to the welterweight division, which left the lightweight title vacant. However, ‘El Matador’ capitalized by knocking out former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to claim the 155-pound belt.

In recent days, Topuria went on a heated rant targeting Makhachev’s grappling-heavy style. He criticized Makhachev’s ground game and claimed he would submit him rather than rely on knockout power. Topuria also referenced UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov while making those claims. The comments directly led into Makhachev addressing the remarks publicly.

He has some kind of hatred towards us. But I think we’ll sort it out. Either before the fight somehow, or maybe in the future… He’s unhappy about something. We need to figure out what it is.

Islam Makhchev via Ushatayka

Makhachev’s championship-winning performance at UFC 322 against Jack Della Maddalena earned him the welterweight title. He won via unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 50-45. The result stood as one of the most dominant title decisions of the year. After the bout, Topuria challenged the performance, calling it boring and unsportsmanlike because it was grapple-heavy for prolonged periods.

While Makhachev continues building momentum, Topuria is currently navigating a difficult stretch away from competition. He is expected to remain sidelined until at least mid-2026 due to mental and emotional strain linked to an ongoing separation. That absence has delayed any immediate title defenses and has also stalled the Georgian-Spanish champions’ short-term competitive plans.

Ilia Topuria has expressed interest in eventually moving up to welterweight. His stated ambition is to pursue championships across three weight classes. However, ‘El Matador’ has been warned regarding the significant size difference at welterweight and lightweight. At the same time, Islam Makhachev is now preparing for his first welterweight title defense as he establishes himself at 170 pounds.

Islam Makhachev ranks Conor McGregor’s striking higher than Ilia Topuria

Conor McGregor is widely regarded for his lightning-fast strikes and historic title wins, including his UFC 194 knockout over Jose Aldo. Ilia Topuria has risen quickly with a combination of power and poise, drawing comparisons to the Irishman’s early career. Both fighters have earned praise for their adaptability and finishing ability inside the Octagon.

Islam Makhachev praises Conor McGregor's striking
Islam Makhachev praises Conor McGregor’s striking (via X, New York Post)

McGregor and Islam Makhachev have long been at odds, fueled partly by McGregor’s rivalry with Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Tensions between McGregor and Makhachev have persisted, evident in both public statements and social media exchanges. Their dynamic adds context to the welterweight champion’s recent comments analyzing a potential McGregor vs. Topuria matchup.

If we’re talking about pure offensive power, maybe Topuria has more. But as a counter puncher, McGregor was better. His timing, the way he waited and set things up. I’m a southpaw myself, and he’s a southpaw too. The way he would catch opponents with the left hand while making them miss. That was on another level.

Islam Makhachev via Ushatayka

Topuria has faced criticism due to comparisons with McGregor, particularly regarding lifestyle and media presence. Observers point out similarities in how both fighters conduct themselves outside the cage, from social media activity to personal branding. Despite this, his striking and finishing ability continues to earn recognition from analysts and peers alike.

Islam Makhachev’s recent comments marked a rare moment of praise for McGregor. By acknowledging McGregor’s timing, counter-striking, and historical impact, the young Dagestani highlighted the Irishman’s continued relevance in MMA discussions. His breakdown also reinforced Topuria’s rising profile while providing fans with a factual, comparative analysis.

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