Georgian-Spanish MMA star Ilia Topuria continues to shake the fight world with bold statements and unwavering determination to face lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Although no opponent has been officially set for him yet, Topuria’s target is clear: dethrone the division’s king and claim the belt.
Back in March, Topuria vacated his undisputed featherweight title to move up a weight class. According to him, the UFC promised he’d receive a title shot immediately upon moving to lightweight. However, Makhachev and his team appear reluctant to accept the matchup—at least for now.
Khabib knows I’m the one to take the belt from Islam. Only reason he doesn’t want Islam to fight me
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) April 16, 2025
Topuria’s Message: Patience as a Weapon
Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Topuria sent a blunt message to the Dagestani champion:
“I want to fight Islam, for sure. I’m not taking a number-one contender fight. If Islam decides not to fight me, I’ll just wait. You can’t call yourself world champion and continue to dominate the division while avoiding me. I gave up my belt because I said I wouldn’t fight below 66 kg anymore, and I was promised a title shot in my next fight. How long can you keep me out?”
Unshakable Confidence
Despite the current standoff, Topuria remains confident that Makhachev will be his next opponent. Known as “El Matador,” he exudes belief in his ability to defeat even the most dominant fighters, including Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protégé.
Conclusion: A Delayed but Inevitable Showdown?
In a world full of anticipation and speculation, a potential fight between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated clashes in the UFC. It’s a battle between the hunger of a rising star and the legacy of a reigning champion. The question is not if, but when.
