Ilia Topuria is eager to face Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title and believes he has the advantage, as he vacates his featherweight title to pursue this goal, despite Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s preference for him to earn a shot rather than receive an immediate opportunity.
Ilia Topuria is itching for a face-off with Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov. The anticipation is palpable.
"La Leyenda" is making a bold move up to 155 pounds, targeting Makhachev and that coveted UFC lightweight title. As the current featherweight champ, Topuria’s vacating his title this Saturday, setting the stage for Volkanovski and Lopes at UFC 314. Exciting times!
Though an official matchup with Makhachev hasn’t been inked yet, Topuria’s been vocal about the potential clash. In a chat with the PBD Podcast, he didn’t just exude confidence—he had some words for Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib, too.
"You ask me, I feel that I have the advantage in everything," Topuria stated. Bold words! He went on, "Me, personally, I would ask him, ‘What’s your favorite submission?’ Whatever it is… D’Arce choke? I’m gonna submit you with that." Talk about confidence!
Topuria even envisions a scenario where he takes Makhachev close to Khabib, submitting him right there. "I will take [Makhachev] and then talk to Khabib," he declared. A daring promise.
Khabib Nurmagomedov has expressed that he’d rather see Topuria earn his shot at Makhachev instead of getting an immediate title opportunity at 155 pounds. Both fighters boast impressive records: Topuria’s riding high off knockouts against legends like Volkanovski and Holloway, pushing his record to 16-0. Meanwhile, Makhachev hasn’t tasted defeat since 2015, boasting five title defenses in his streak.
Topuria remains hopeful about his lightweight debut but doubts Dana White will make him fight in a No. 1 contender bout. "[White] wouldn’t tell me that," he confidently stated. "He would say for the belt."
"There’s no way I have to fight to the No. 1 contender," Topuria continued. "I have to fight directly for the belt." He’s eyeing summer or maybe September for this showdown.
Despite Nurmagomedov’s skepticism about his challenger credentials, Topuria isn’t fazed. He sees it as a difference in perspective—fighter versus promoter.
"He’s saying that I don’t deserve it," Topuria noted, "but he’s saying it from a fighter’s perspective." And as he sees it, promoting fights works a bit differently.