Islam Makhachev currently holds the title of UFC lightweight champion, while Spanish fighter Ilia Topuria is the UFC featherweight champion. Both fighters are standout competitors in their divisions and possess a strong ambition. Topuria, in particular, has always set his sights on Makhachev’s championship title. Recently, the UFC lightweight champion has shared his thoughts on this ongoing discussion.
Islam Makhachev recently participated in an interview session with Match TV, where the UFC lightweight champion discussed several intriguing topics. During the conversation, Makhachev addressed the possibility of competing against Ilia Topuria, who has long expressed a desire for that matchup. However, in his response, the Dagestani fighter indicated that he does not feel the need to fight Topuria.
In terms of my fighting career, I’m not interested in fighting (Ilia) Topuria at all. He’s in a different weight class. I’ll beat him, and what will that do for me? I won’t win another belt. Everyone will once again say that I beat a featherweight. That’s it. But if people really want to see him lose, then we can do it.
Islam Makhachev via Match TV
The UFC lightweight champion appeared to dismiss the idea of fighting Topuria, citing one specific reason. According to Makhachev, he does not want to face another featherweight champion because it would not have a significant impact on his career.
Since becoming the UFC lightweight champion, the Dagestani fighter has already fought a featherweight champion twice. In both instances, Makhachev faced Alexander Volkanovski, and he defeated him, with a knockout win in their rematch.
Islam Makhachev says he isn’t interested in fighting Ilia Topuria:
“If I beat him, what will that do for me?… Everyone will once again say that I beat a featherweight…
But if people really want to see him lose, then we can do it.”
🎥 MatchTV #UFCpic.twitter.com/cQUWzdiRzI
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 4, 2024
Aside from improving his UFC record, Makhachev gained nothing from recent events. As a result, he has dismissed the idea of fighting Topuria. However, the Dagestani fighter mentioned that he will fight the Spaniard under one condition: if Topuria is prepared to lose. While Makhachev believes he can defeat the featherweight champion, Topuria has a different perspective.
Ilia Topuria is confident in his ability to beat Islam Makhachev in a potential fight
Islam Makhachev is a superstar in the UFC, having taken control of the lightweight division after defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. Since that victory, he has established himself as one of the most formidable fighters in the promotion. Most recently, Makhachev defeated top lightweight contender Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. However, despite these accomplishments, Topuria does not consider him a formidable fighter.
Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria after winning their UFC belts (Image via NY Times/Instagram)Before his recent fight against Max Holloway, Topuria expressed his desire to pursue historic records in the UFC. To achieve this, the featherweight champion is eager to face top prospects, including Makhachev. Topuria is confident that he can comfortably defeat the current UFC lightweight champion.
For Islam (Makhachev), I represent a style that he knows would beat him. He knows because I know very well where he comes from… I know how their thought process works, I know how their level of technique, their level of strength… So for me, even if it seems like a very difficult fight, I would make Islam suffer a lot…
Ilia Topuria on Kolmenero’s YouTube channel (Check from 8:03)
Both Makhachev and the featherweight champion possess distinctive skills as fighters. While Topuria has a strong stand-up game, the Dagestani fighter is known for his wrestling dominance. Because of this, Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, believes that this would be a competitive fight to watch. It will be interesting to see how the UFC approaches this matchup.
