Ilia Topuria criticized Islam Makhachev‘s performance in his title win over Jack Della Maddalena, expressing disappointment and hoping for a future champ vs. champ fight with Makhachev, despite upcoming UFC matchups and his own temporary break from competition.
Ilia Topuria’s not rushing to rewatch Islam Makhachev’s title win over Jack Della Maddalena. From a fan’s view, he’s just not interested.
Makhachev snagged his second divisional world title with a unanimous decision at UFC 322, becoming the welterweight champ. Meanwhile, Topuria, the lightweight champion, has been eyeing a fight with Makhachev for over a year. But after the recent main event, “El Matador” wasn’t exactly thrilled.
“Honestly, I was very disappointed in his performance,” Topuria shared with Alvaro Colmenero. He was even more let down by Della Maddalena’s showing. “He seemed completely unwilling to even be in the fight,” he added.
Islam did his usual thing — fighting in a way Topuria finds super boring. “He doesn’t care about the audience,” Topuria lamented. Unlike him, who always aims to entertain and make fans feel their investment was worth it.
Topuria claimed the lightweight title with a knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. He vacated the featherweight title, aiming for a clash with Makhachev at 155 pounds. But Makhachev had his own plans.
Both fighters have contenders lined up, yet Topuria hopes for a champ vs. champ showdown. If it happens, it won’t be until April, as Topuria is taking a short break for personal reasons.
Meanwhile, the UFC announced Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for an interim lightweight title at UFC 324 in January. The winner is expected to face Topuria in 2026. Before this, Topuria was still hopeful for a bout with Makhachev.
“Hopefully [me vs. Islam] happens,” Topuria said. He believes it’d be a high-level fight. Fans would see a desperate Islam and a fiery Topuria aiming to put him to sleep — a goal he’s confident he’d achieve.