We might not see a struggle between former light-weight champion Islam Makhachev (27-1) and former featherweight titleholder Ilia Topuria (16-0), however the two are doing a superb job constructing a future grudge match.
At a current press convention, Topuria referred to as Makhachev a ‘hypocrite’ and accused the highest pound-for-pound fighter of operating from struggle with him.
“(Islam) is the most important hypocrite I’ve ever seen,” Topuria just lately mentioned in a press convention (h/t Marca, Championship Rounds). “He mentioned he did not need to give me the chance as a result of I used to be the little man, and now the little man is the one on the lookout for the identical alternative I used to be on the lookout for. How are you going to criticize my choice once you’re doing the identical factor proper now? I’ve by no means seen extra hypocrisy in my life.”
Topuria gained the featherweight title by knockout out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February 2024. He efficiently defended the title at UFC 308, turning into the primary and solely fighter to ever knockout Max Holloway. “El Matador” then vacated the championship to maneuver as much as the light-weight division in pursuit of a second UFC title.
Makhachev vacated the light-weight championship to maneuver as much as the welterweight division with the identical aspirations as Topuria, however he does not suppose their conditions are the identical.
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On Tuesday, the 2 went backwards and forwards on social media after Topuria referred to as Makhachev a ‘coward’ after which refereed to him as ‘little boy’ in Russian.
“The distinction between you and me is that I’m a person and you’re a coward. I communicate and struggle. you speak and conceal. Run away far, leaving no hint. Ты маленький пацан,” Topuria wrote on X.
Makhachev rapidly fired again at Topuria and defined what he believes is the distinction between the 2.
“Distinction between me and also you, that I cleaned high checklist in my division, moved to subsequent, however you ran away from two contenders who had consecutive 5-9 wins in FW division. You’re no one in LW division, only a massive mouth from Spain with good haircut. Go get one W, and we are able to speak boy,” Makhachev responded.
The distinction between you and me is that I’m a person and you’re a coward. I communicate and struggle. you speak and conceal. Run away far, leaving no hint. Ты маленький пацан. https://t.co/kDuhhdIB8t
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) Could 15, 2025
Topuria faces former light-weight champion Charles Oliveira for the vacant light-weight title within the UFC 317 principal occasion on June 28. Makhachev is predicted to struggle newly topped welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena later this 12 months.
