‘Scared’ Islam Makhachev called out by Ilia Topuria as UFC 315 fight decides future of two divisions

Former UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria mocks pound-for-pound ace Islam Makhachev for consistently avoiding him.

‘Scared’ Islam Makhachev called out by Ilia Topuria as UFC 315 fight decides future of two divisions

Islam Makhachev is scared to fight, says Ilia Topuria (via Imago/X)

The lightweight division doesn’t seem to shy away from the drama surrounding the title fight involving Islam Makhachev and his reign. The top fighter in the race is the former featherweight king Ilia Topuria, eyeing the lightweight gold with exceptions. Irrespective of the fight announcement, the Georgian-Spanish star has maintained the rivalry between him and the dominant Dagestani champion consistently.

Topuria has always talked about having all the tools necessary to beat Makhachev in a potential high-stakes superfight. In a recent interview, the confident Spanish fighter was asked in detail about how to compete with Makhachev’s dangerous grappling style. He also talked about why Makhachev has not shown interest in fighting him and rejected the challenge once already.

I think Makhachev is being cautious. The only reason he doesn’t want to fight me because he knows I’m going to beat him. For example, in his last fight, he was scheduled to fight another guy. He pulled out the day before and Makhachev accepted the fight with someone else quickly. Because he was really convinced that he’s going to win and that’s not the case with me.

Ilia Topuria via El Hormiguero

After accepting to fight Renato Moicano on short notice at UFC 311, Makhachev took great pride in his unwavering readiness. However, this attitude has changed with Topuria, drawing criticism from fans and analysts questioning his consistency as a champion. According to Makhachev and his team, beating Topuria wouldn’t add anything meaningful to their already solidified championship legacy.

During the conversation, Topuria also mentioned that he will dominate Makhachev and questioned his so-called aura of invincibility. He gave examples of his past accolades to prove that he has repeatedly done the impossible inside the UFC octagon successfully. ‘El Matador’ also mentioned that if not Makhachev, he will be fighting Charles Oliveira next at UFC 317 without hesitation.

Islam Makhachev breaks the silence about his future 

Islam Makhachev‘s biggest reason to reject Ilia Topuria’s fight is his intention to move up and win a second belt. However, with Belal Muhammad as the welterweight champion, that achievement initially looked distant and less realistic for Makhachev. However, things have changed now, and there is a clear opportunity for the Dagestani to fight for the welterweight title.

Islam Makhachev's future fight
Islam Makhachev’s future fight (via X)

This Saturday at UFC 315, Muhammad will defend his belt against top contender Jack Della Maddalena in a high-stakes clash. Going into the fight, the Palestinian champion is the betting favorite to win the belt with his relentless pressure and experience. But JDM is confident enough to get an upset, which could open a title shot opportunity for Makhachev at welterweight.

This Saturdays main event will define what’s my next move is. But regardless of outcome that fight, I’m not going to vacate my lightweight title! We might  get real contender there!

Islam Makhachev via X 

Della Maddalena has already shown interest in fighting Makhachev and avenging his fellow countryman Alexander Volkanovski’s tough title losses. Beating the pound-for-pound number one could help the Aussie fighter boost his popularity and gain major recognition across global MMA audiences. Irrespective of their size advantages, many still believe the lightweight champion will have better chances to beat both JDM and Muhammad. 

The Dagestani has already defended his lightweight belt a record four times, more than anybody in UFC lightweight history. Other than his natural wrestling pedigree, his striking prowess has also developed significantly, making him a complete and dangerous mixed martial artist. Nevertheless, the main event of UFC 315 will be responsible for many exciting future matchups in the promotion.

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