A highly anticipated potential clash between UFC stars Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev is rapidly evolving into a bitter rivalry, marked by sharp exchanges and personal insults.
The lightweight division landscape saw shifts after UFC 315. Jack Della Maddalena`s victory for the welterweight title potentially opens the door for lightweight champion Islam Makhachev to move up, now that his friend is no longer the titleholder in that weight class. Although Ilia Topuria`s immediate future involves facing Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title, he has made it clear he won`t let Makhachev`s comments go unanswered.
The recent escalation began after Topuria discussed the Oliveira matchup during a press conference, prompting a strong reaction from Makhachev on social media. Now, the undefeated fighter has responded in kind to the current pound-for-pound king.
Topuria Calls Makhachev a `Coward` in Heated Response
Following Islam Makhachev`s cutting remarks on social media, Ilia Topuria didn`t hold back, directing sharp criticism back at the pound-for-pound number one.
Makhachev had previously claimed that while both fighters might consider moving weight classes, their situations were fundamentally different. He argued that he had defeated top contenders before potentially moving up, whereas he viewed Topuria as a “nobody” in the lightweight division who had “ran away” from the featherweight top contenders after defending his belt only once.
Topuria`s public response was direct and accusatory, foregoing detailed justifications to instead focus on calling out Makhachev. He specifically accused the 33-year-old champion of avoiding a fight with him.
This marks another instance where Topuria has labeled Makhachev a “coward,” indicating how quickly this potential superfight scenario is developing into a genuine rivalry. Topuria`s message concluded with a pointed insult, translated from Russian, “You`re a little boy.” His full translated statement read: “The difference between you and me is that I am a man and you are a coward. I speak and fight. you talk and hide. Run away far, leaving no trace. Ты маленький пацан.”
Ilia Topuria: Master of Promotion?
Ilia Topuria`s outspokenness and unwavering self-belief have made him a somewhat controversial figure in the UFC. His confidence often sparks debate among fans and pundits alike.
Despite this, fellow fighters like Khamzat Chimaev have offered different perspectives, with Chimaev describing Topuria as a “decent, solid guy” based on personal interaction.
While Islam Makhachev`s potential move to welterweight means this highly anticipated clash won`t happen in the immediate future, the ongoing verbal sparring is undoubtedly building massive hype for when it eventually does. Topuria`s willingness to engage in these public feuds ensures that any future bout between them will be a major event with significant fan interest.
