Ilia Topuria is eager for a potential fight with Islam Makhachev despite division changes and personal issues, believing it would showcase their skills and resolve their rivalry.
Ilia Topuria has some major bouts lined up and is eyeing a clash with Islam Makhachev. He’s hopeful this fight remains a possibility.
The UFC lightweight champ mentioned to eldoberdanMMA that a showdown with Makhachev, the current 170-pound titleholder, could happen if Makhachev is game. This matchup could showcase two of the top pound-for-pound fighters globally.
Topuria feels confident about facing Makhachev. He’s even prepared to deal with Khabib Nurmagomedov if he gets involved.
“And that wrestling [Makhachev] thinks he has… we’ll see how well it works on me,” Topuria stated. He aims to dominate Makhachev on his feet, land clean shots, and maybe even submit him in front of Khabib.
“They’re so cocky and arrogant,” he added. Topuria wouldn’t mind submitting Makhachev right in front of Nurmagomedov, and he’s ready to face Khabib if necessary.
Earlier this year, Topuria vacated his featherweight title to move up to 155 pounds. A fight with Makhachev seemed imminent, but Makhachev moved to welterweight and became a two-division champ by defeating Jack Della Maddalena.
Topuria also achieved two-division status by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 for the lightweight belt. Now, with both fighters in different divisions, a bout seems less likely, but Topuria isn’t giving up hope.
“I’ve always wanted that fight,” Topuria said. He remains ready and plans to pursue it after defending his 155-pound title.
Currently, Topuria is on a break due to personal issues, including allegations of domestic abuse. He initially expected to return by the first quarter of 2026, but the exact date is uncertain.
When he’s back, Topuria is set to face the winner of the interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. If he stays unbeaten, he believes the decision lies with Makhachev.
“Everyone knows it’s a fight that everyone wants to see,” Topuria remarked. He criticized Makhachev for not accepting the fight and for talking from afar.
“But when you’re in the octagon with me, you’ll realize I’m not like the others you’ve fought,” he warned. “And when I land my right hand on you, you’re going to have a very, very long sleep.”