Ilia Topuria has publicly criticized Islam Makhachev, stating that the lightweight champion is preoccupied with counting other people's money. Topuria suggested that Makhachev is making excuses for the second time, which makes it appear as though he is avoiding a potential fight between them. The featherweight champion implied that this pattern of behavior indicates Makhachev may not be interested in taking the fight. This represents an escalation in tension between the two champions from different weight classes.
Ilia Topuria has turned up the heat on Islam Makhachev, publicly accusing the lightweight champion of avoiding a cross-divisional superfight and dismissing his objections as excuses rooted in fixating on other fighters' earnings.
Topuria, known as El Matador, carries a 17-1-0 record and currently holds the number-one spot in the pound-for-pound rankings at just 29 years old. The Spanish featherweight — ranked second in his division — is one of the most active strikers in the UFC, landing 4.81 significant strikes per minute. His callout of Makhachev marks the second time he has pointed to what he characterizes as deliberate evasion from the Dagestani champion.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1-0 record and reigns as champion at welterweight, sitting at the top of the pound-for-pound list prior to Topuria's recent ascent. Fighting out of Russia under the Eagles MMA banner, the southpaw is renowned for his grappling-heavy approach, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate — the highest of any fighter involved in this dispute. His combination of elite wrestling and ground control has made him one of the most technically complete champions in the sport.
Topuria stated that Makhachev's pattern of making excuses on two separate occasions speaks for itself, framing it as a sign that the lightweight champion has little genuine interest in booking the bout.
Why it matters
- Topuria is the current pound-for-pound number-one, giving a potential matchup enormous prestige beyond divisional titles.
- Makhachev's willingness or reluctance to engage directly shapes the superfight landscape across the 155 and 145-pound divisions.
- The stylistic contrast is sharp: Topuria's high-output striking against Makhachev's suffocating grappling would present a compelling tactical puzzle.
- A second public callout without a response risks reputational pressure mounting on the lightweight champion.
