The minor dispute between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev has now developed into a full-fledged rivalry. Topuria is eager to move up and beat Makhachev to get the champ champ status. As both fighters trade insults on the internet, the Georgian-Spaniard has now issued a new challenge for the pound-for-pound king.
The beef began with Topuria claiming that he could easily defeat Makhachev. ‘El Matador’ claimed he could beat Makhachev inside the octagon and on the streets. Makhachev responded by suggesting that the champion calm down and focus on his division before pushing his luck. Topuria, in a recent tweet, asked Makhachev to stop his teammates from interfering and fighting each other in 2025.
I don’t need to cross lines but it seems like the kids that hang out with you will try to cross a line they can’t come back from. Let’s leave the kids out of it and settle it like adults inside the octagon 2025
Ilia Topuria via X
After Topuria claimed to beat Makhachev, he faced criticism from other Team Khabib members. Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov and Topuria got into a nasty online scuffle, including steroid accusations. In addition to that, Makhachev’s teammate Abubakar Nurmagomedov also issued a warning to Topuria.
I don’t need to cross lines but it seems like the kids that hang out with you will try to cross a line they can’t come back from. Let’s leave the kids out of it and settle it like adults inside the octagon 2025 🌹 https://t.co/19ypdhSCYA
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) October 7, 2024
Both Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev are two of the most complete fighters on the UFC roster. The striking skills combined with grappling prowess make them fierce competitors. If they both keep winning, the featherweight champion will get the opportunity to become a double champion. Fans are excited to see this fight, and it would be interesting to see if UFC thinks the same.
Ilia Topuria issues a warning to all the top UFC lightweights
It didn’t take Ilia Topuria much time to rise to UFC glory. The featherweight fighter had a quick and dominant championship run with a title victory over Alexander Volkanovski. Topuria is one of the best strikers in the sport and has the power to knock out anybody in the division.
However, ‘El Matador’ has bigger aims, and ruling the lightweight division is one of them. Topuria’s confidence is at an all-time high, and this was evident in his last few Instagram sessions. The Georgian-Spanish fighter has recently talked about his chances against the top lightweights and made some bold assertions.
With me, it’s going to be very difficult. And even more so at [lightweight]. If I didn’t have to cut weight, my goodness. My goodness. I could fight all of them in the same night. All of them
Ilia Topuria via Instagram
🗣️ Ilia Topuria: “With me, it’s going to be very difficult. And even more so at [lightweight]. If I didn’t have to cut weight, my goodness. My goodness.
I could fight all of them in the same night. All of them.” 😳
(via. IG / @Topuriailia) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/vCA79vma4d
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 7, 2024
Historically, many featherweights, like Conor McGregor, have moved up and have found success in the lightweight division. Alexander Volkanovski did not get the win when he moved up. Recently, Max Holloway did the same and destroyed Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. Topuria has the skill set to emulate the same, but first, he will have his upcoming title defense later this month.
