Ilia Topuria has publicly stated that Islam Makhachev is focused on counting other people's money rather than fighting. Topuria claims that Makhachev has made excuses on two separate occasions, suggesting a pattern of behavior. According to Topuria, this pattern definitively looks like Makhachev is avoiding a potential matchup between the two fighters. The callout adds to ongoing speculation about whether a fight between the featherweight champion Topuria and lightweight champion Makhachev will materialize. Topuria's statement represents a direct challenge to Makhachev's willingness to accept high-profile superfights.
