Ilia Topuria has accused Islam Makhachev of counting other people's money and avoiding a potential fight. Topuria stated that Makhachev had excuses once before, and now they have appeared a second time. The featherweight champion suggested that this pattern of behavior indicates Makhachev is deliberately trying to avoid facing him. No specific timeline or event for a potential matchup was mentioned in the statement.
Ilia Topuria has publicly called out Islam Makhachev, accusing the welterweight champion of making excuses to avoid a potential fight between the two pound-for-pound stars.
Topuria, known as El Matador, claimed that Makhachev has now produced excuses on two separate occasions when a matchup between them has come up, and suggested the pattern is deliberate. The featherweight champion indicated that Makhachev is effectively counting other people's money while sidestepping the challenge he presents.
The 29-year-old Spaniard carries a 17-1-0 record and currently sits first in the pound-for-pound rankings. Fighting out of Climent Club in an orthodox stance, Topuria stands five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach and lands an aggressive 4.81 significant strikes per minute. He holds the divisional rank of two at lightweight, a division above his current featherweight throne.
Makhachev, 34, represents Russia and trains with Eagles MMA. The southpaw champion owns a 28-1-0 record and holds the welterweight title, sitting at the top of the pound-for-pound list. Standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach, he lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 58 percent accuracy, and adds 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes to his game. No specific date or event for a potential meeting between the two has been announced.
Why it matters
- Topuria at number one pound-for-pound and Makhachev as reigning welterweight champion would represent one of the biggest cross-divisional superfights available
- A second round of public accusations from Topuria increases pressure on Makhachev and his team to respond directly
- The size and style contrast — Topuria's high-volume striking against Makhachev's grappling-heavy, accurate approach — makes the stylistic matchup compelling on paper
