A recent verbal exchange between UFC stars Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria has rekindled discussions about a potential feud between their respective regions in the Caucasus.
Dagestan boasts a long and storied history of producing exceptional fighters, including dominant figures like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, who train alongside other elite athletes such as Khabib`s cousins, Umar and Usman.
However, in recent years, the nation of Georgia has also emerged as a formidable force in mixed martial arts, with fighters like Ilia Topuria and Merab Dvalishvili achieving championship status in the UFC.
This rise has naturally led to comparisons between the two regions, particularly given their shared deep-rooted history in wrestling traditions.
Most recently, the dynamic between them took a negative turn following a heated exchange of words on social media between Makhachev and Topuria. Reports indicate Topuria even used Makhachev`s native language during the insults.
Georgian Fighter Roman Dolidze Rejects Regional Rivalry Talk Despite Makhachev-Topuria Clash
This intense dispute between the two highly-ranked fighters occurs months after a title bout involving Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov also fueled debates about a Dagestan vs Georgia rivalry.
However, according to Roman Dolidze, another prominent Georgian fighter making significant progress in the UFC, any genuine hostile rivalry between the two regions is limited to specific individuals.
Speaking on Mike Perry`s *Overdogs Podcast*, Dolidze stated, “From my perspective, I find it very childish and illogical.”
He elaborated, “I dislike when nationality and country are introduced into sports. For me, it`s purely about the sport. I was brought up that way. I never judge anyone based on their religion or nationality. We should always judge people by their actions.”
Dolidze added, “It`s incredibly childish. I often observe in the UFC how some fighters use these regional angles to escalate conflicts. They simply use these phrases to intensify rivalries and boost event sales.”
He concluded, “Therefore, when discussions about Dagestan vs Georgia arise, I disagree with that perspective.”
Ilia Topuria`s Post-UFC 311 Comments Sparked Regional Speculation
Regarding fighters who might be contributing to this perceived rivalry, Ilia Topuria appears to be one such figure.
In January, the former UFC Featherweight Champion made a pointed comment following Merab Dvalishvili`s victory over Umar Nurmagomedov in Los Angeles.
`El Matador` posted on social media, stating: “Merab, my brother, what a fighter you are! You make us feel so proud. This is what happens when Dagestani wrestling meets Georgian wrestling.”
While Topuria had previously expressed interest in facing Makhachev next, the lightweight champion`s decision to move up a weight class has prevented that highly anticipated matchup.
Instead, the Georgian-Spanish fighter is scheduled to compete against Brazil`s Charles Oliveira for the upcoming vacant title at UFC 317 on June 28.
