Ilia Topuria stated that Islam Makhachev is focused on counting other people's money rather than fighting. Topuria claims Makhachev has made excuses twice now, suggesting he is avoiding a potential fight. The comments indicate Topuria believes Makhachev is not genuinely interested in facing him. This appears to be an escalation in verbal exchanges between the two champions. Topuria's remarks suggest frustration with what he perceives as Makhachev's reluctance to compete against him.
Ilia Topuria turned up the heat on Islam Makhachev this week, publicly accusing the welterweight champion of fixating on other fighters' earnings rather than stepping up to face him. The Spanish contender made clear he believes Makhachev has now twice found reasons to sidestep a potential matchup, and his patience appears to be running thin.
Topuria, known as "El Matador," carries a 17-1 record and sits at number one in the pound-for-pound rankings at just 29 years old. Competing at lightweight, where he holds the number two divisional ranking, the orthodox striker out of Climent Club has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous finishers in the sport. He lands an impressive 4.81 significant strikes per minute and also contributes on the ground with nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes.
Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion, holds a 28-1 record and stands as one of the most complete fighters in the world. The 34-year-old Russian southpaw, training out of Eagles MMA, combines elite grappling — averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes — with a striking accuracy of 58 percent, the highest mark between these two men. He previously held the lightweight title before moving up in weight.
Why it matters
- A cross-divisional clash between the top two pound-for-pound fighters on the planet carries enormous promotional weight.
- Topuria's number two lightweight ranking and Makhachev's welterweight title create an unusual stakes dynamic that has no clean divisional path forward.
- Topuria's aggressive striking style against Makhachev's suffocating grappling represents a classic contrast in MMA approaches.
Topuria's public remarks frame the standoff as a one-sided reluctance, placing the pressure squarely on Makhachev to either engage or accept the narrative that he is avoiding the fight.
