Ilia Topuria is turning up the heat with his trash talk.
Earlier this year, Topuria made a significant move by vacating his featherweight title to compete in the lightweight division, aiming for a second championship belt. This decision by the 28-year-old fighter was unexpected and led many to believe he would immediately get a shot at the lightweight title.
However, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, a top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter, wants Topuria to earn his title opportunity rather than simply being granted one for changing weight classes. Topuria seems displeased with this stance. In recent comments to reporters, Topuria essentially called Makhachev a coward, as the two elite fighters continue to move towards a potential clash.
“I am preparing for Islam Makhachev,” Topuria stated. “My entire training focus is on either Islam or Charles Oliveira because I don`t see any other legitimate contenders. So, these are the two names I`m considering. Neither of them seems eager to step up.”
He continued, “They claim champions should fight anyone they are told to, but then they say I’m too small. I move up a weight class, and suddenly I’m small again. Then they argue I haven’t earned it yet. These are clear indicators of fear, and we all recognize it. But it’s understandable, I’d be scared too.”
Topuria is currently ranked as the No. 2 pound-for-pound fighter globally in the MMA Fighting rankings and was recognized as Fighter of the Year for his impressive performances in 2024. Despite these accolades, he only has one featherweight title defense, which is not typically the resume of a champion who receives an automatic title shot when moving to a different weight division.
Makhachev, in contrast, is currently the UFC`s longest-reigning champion, holding the lightweight title with four successful defenses. He recently defeated Renato Moicano at UFC 311 in January and has expressed his own interest in moving up to pursue a title in a second weight class.
Of course, suggesting that Islam Makhachev, considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, is afraid to fight anyone might be a stretch. It`s worth remembering he has already faced the featherweight champion twice. Perhaps he is hesitant to do so again, especially when that featherweight champion has only one title defense and abandoned his division instead of defending against the numerous contenders waiting there.
Anyway, UFC Mexico should be exciting. Enjoy the fights!
