The future of the lightweight division and a potential clash between Ilia Topuria and the pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev largely depended on the outcomes of UFC 315 in Montreal. Following Jack Della Maddalena`s victory over Belal Muhammad for the welterweight title, the path seemingly opened for Islam Makhachev, the 155-pound champion, to consider a move up in weight class, now that his friend no longer held the belt.
Although Topuria is set to compete against Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title, `El Matador` isn`t letting the opportunity pass to continue his verbal sparring with Makhachev. A war of words has erupted between the two fighters, especially after Topuria`s recent remarks at a press conference regarding the Oliveira fight.
Ilia Topuria Calls Islam Makhachev a ‘Coward’ in Heated Exchange
After Topuria`s initial comments, Islam Makhachev took to social media to issue a sharp retort aimed at `El Matador`. The former featherweight champion swiftly responded with his own statement directed at the UFC`s current top-ranked fighter.
Makhachev had argued that while both have considered moving divisions, their situations differ. He claimed he (Makhachev) had already defeated top contenders before contemplating a move, whereas he considered Topuria, who had only defended his featherweight belt once, a “nobody” in the lightweight division who had “run away” from the top featherweights.
Topuria, who is scheduled to fight for the lightweight title on June 28, offered a less detailed reply but directly accused the 33-year-old Makhachev of avoiding a fight with him. This isn`t the first instance Topuria has labeled his rival a “coward” as their potential dream matchup quickly escalates into a heated feud.
Topuria`s message included a final jab, concluding:
The difference between you and me is that I am a man and you are a coward. I speak and fight. You talk and hide. Run away far, leaving no trace. Ты маленький пацан.
The Russian phrase at the end translates to “You`re a little boy.”
Ilia Topuria`s Talent for Promoting Fights
Ilia Topuria has often been a figure who divides opinion since joining the UFC circuit, largely due to his undeniable self-belief and confidence. Even fellow fighter Khamzat Chimaev commented on his early impressions of Topuria, describing him as a “decent, solid guy,” potentially contrasting with public perception.
While Islam Makhachev`s reported move to welterweight means a Topuria clash isn`t immediate, this escalating rivalry ensures that if and when they do meet, Topuria`s recent public statements will have only amplified the anticipation and scale of the fight.
Rupert Hartwell