Ilia Topuria has publicly stated that Islam Makhachev is focused on counting other people's money rather than fighting. Topuria claims this is the second time Makhachev has made excuses to avoid facing him. The featherweight champion suggests that Makhachev's behavior clearly indicates he is trying to dodge a potential matchup between them. This continues the verbal exchanges between the two champions from different weight divisions. Topuria's comments add fuel to speculation about a potential super fight between the featherweight and lightweight champions. No official fight has been announced between the two.
Ilia Topuria has turned up the heat on Islam Makhachev, publicly accusing the lightweight champion of manufacturing excuses to avoid a cross-divisional superfight between the two titleholders.
Topuria, known as "El Matador," holds a 17-1-0 record and currently sits at number one in the pound-for-pound rankings despite being ranked second in the lightweight division. The 29-year-old Spaniard out of Climent Club stands five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach and fights out of the orthodox stance. His offensive output is eye-catching, landing 4.81 significant strikes per minute and adding nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes to his all-around game.
Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1-0 record and holds the welterweight championship while sitting atop the pound-for-pound list. The Russian, who trains with Eagles MMA, is listed at five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach and fights southpaw. His game is built on precision and control — a 58 percent striking accuracy rate combined with 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes makes him one of the most complete fighters in the sport.
Topuria stated that this marks the second time Makhachev has found reasons to sidestep their potential matchup, adding that Makhachev appears more interested in other fighters' financial affairs than in actually competing against him. The featherweight champion's pointed remarks deepen an ongoing verbal exchange between the two divisional rulers.
No official fight has been announced.
Why it matters
- Topuria is the number-one pound-for-pound fighter, making a matchup with the top-ranked Makhachev a marquee superfight for the sport.
- A win for either man would strengthen a case as the undisputed best fighter in the world.
- The stylistic contrast — Topuria's high-volume striking versus Makhachev's grappling-heavy, high-accuracy approach — makes the matchup compelling on paper.
