Ilia Topuria is eagerly anticipating a face-off with both Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
“La Leyenda” is advancing to the 155-pound division with a clear goal: to defeat Makhachev and claim the UFC lightweight championship. Currently holding the featherweight title, Topuria is officially relinquishing it this Saturday. Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes will compete for the vacant belt in the main event of UFC 314.
While a match between Topuria and Makhachev is not yet official, Topuria has frequently discussed its potential. In a recent interview on the PBD Podcast, Topuria was questioned about his perceived advantages over Makhachev, who is ranked as MMA Fighting’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter. Topuria confidently asserted his superiority and also had a message for Makhachev’s mentor.
“If you ask me, I believe I have the upper hand in every aspect,” Topuria stated. “This is my honest conviction. I would even ask him, ‘What is your favorite submission technique?’ Whether it’s a D’Arce choke or anything else, I will submit you with that very move.”
“I’ll take him down near Khabib, and I will submit him right there in front of Khabib. Khabib used to lift opponents onto his shoulder, take them down, and then chat with Dana White. I’ll do the same to Makhachev, but instead, I’ll be talking to Khabib. Khabib, I have to do this.”
Nurmagomedov has previously expressed his preference for Topuria to earn his shot at Makhachev rather than immediately being granted a championship opportunity at 155 pounds. Both Topuria and Makhachev boast impressive records. Topuria is on a high after consecutive knockout victories against Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, bringing his professional record to 16-0. Makhachev has an impressive streak of 15 consecutive wins since his only defeat in 2015, which includes five title defenses.
Although Topuria is still awaiting confirmation regarding his lightweight debut, he doubts that UFC CEO Dana White will require him to participate in a No. 1 contender fight.
“[White] wouldn’t suggest that to me,” Topuria commented. “He would propose a title fight.”
“There’s absolutely no scenario where I have to compete against the No. 1 contender,” Topuria continued. “My next fight has to be directly for the belt. Personally, I am hoping for a summer fight, possibly in September.”
Topuria doesn’t particularly disagree with Nurmagomedov’s questions about his challenger credentials, understanding that they might be viewing the situation from different perspectives.
“He mentions that I might not deserve it yet, but he’s approaching it from a fighter’s viewpoint,” Topuria explained. “From a promoter’s perspective, things operate somewhat differently.”
