Stunning image reveals Islam Makhachev’s new ‘Spanish teammate’ connection with rival Ilia Topuria 

UFC pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev's teammate gets viral for posing with potential rival and former UFC champion Ilia Topuria.

Stunning image reveals Islam Makhachev’s new ‘Spanish teammate’ connection with rival Ilia Topuria 

Islam Makhachev's current teammate picture with Ilia Topuria (via Imago/X)

Islam Makhachev is the current pound-for-pound king of the UFC and has dominated the lightweight division for some time. After Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev has continued the Dagestani legacy. Currently, his throne is being challenged by the former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, and things have taken an interesting turn. 

Recently, Makhachev shared a video featuring one of his teammates from Madrid, Spain. He has been training in Dagestan for the past two years. In the video, the young fighter reflects on the grueling training regimen he has endured. Makhachev used his story as proof of his now-viral remark: “Send him 2-3 years Dagestan and forget.”

YouTube video

Following the video, a new picture of the same fighter with Ilia Topuria went viral on the internet. Topuria is half Spanish and half Georgian, and represents both the countries with pride. Last year, the undefeated fighter became the featherweight champion and knocked out two of the greatest 145-pound fighters in UFC history. 

FS Video

Being from Spain, the young fighter must be a fan of Topuria, which could be the reason for the picture. The ‘El Matador’ has been critical about Dagestani wrestling, but seems like people from his own country don’t feel the same. The Dagestani dominance in UFC has definitely made the country a major hub for MMA training.

The origin of Islam Makhachev’s iconic line 

The viral line coined by Islam Makhachev originated when he was talking with a friend and former UFC champion Daniel Cormier. During the conversation, Makhachev suggested DC to send his kids to Dagestan to train and develop their wrestling. As expected, Cormier didn’t accept it and laughed it out, which created an hilarious moment which went viral. 

Islam Makhachev, pound-for-pound king of UFC
Islam Makhachev, pound-for-pound king of UFC (via X)

The narrative was backed by the insane wrestling culture in Dagestan and their discipline. Other than MMA, the region has also given rise to several Olympic wrestling champions who dominated their respective weight class. Khabib Nurmagomedov has always mentioned how from a young age, children in Dagestan start training which shapes their future. 

Other than this, another line from Makhachev that went viral was, “Put him Ankalaev.” This was in reference to Alex Pereira defending his title against Magomed Ankalaev. While the Brazilian dominated everyone, as Makhachev predicted, Ankalaev was able to beat ‘Poatan’. With that, he became the third Dagestani to win the UFC belt.

Should Islam Makhachev fight Ilia Topuria?

Ilia Topuria has been challenging Islam Makhachev for a long time now, and it has resulted in several online disputes. Previously, the Georgian-Spanish fighter wanted to beat Makhachev and become a double champion. However, he has permanently moved up to the 155 lbs and wants the title shot. 

Islam Makhachev fighting Ilia Topuria won't benefit him
Islam Makhachev fighting Ilia Topuria won’t benefit him (via X)

The Dagestani, however, don’t want to give him the opportunity without Topuria earning his spot in the division. He recently rejected UFC’s offer to fight the knockout specialist. In a recent video, Daniel Cormier talked about this in detail and shared his opinion. 

Anytime you have a dominant champion, you look for reasons to discredit them. It happens all the time. ‘Oh, he beat a featherweight and a guy who was ranked lower on a day’s notice’. People will always try to find holes in his title reign that aren’t there. He is the best in the world, and we should respect that.

Daniel Cormier via his YouTube channel 
YouTube video

In the past, Makhachev has already fought former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski on two occasions. His title defenses are often questioned by his critics and the Russian fighter wants to prove them wrong. Makhachev is more interested in fighting Justin Gaethje and there is a possibility of this bout taking place in the future. 

Related: Islam Makhachev Net Worth, Endorsements, UFC contract, Wife and House