The recent exchange of harsh words between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev is generating significant buzz within the MMA community.
The current featherweight champion and the reigning lightweight champion are both setting their sights on gold in higher weight classes. Ilia Topuria is scheduled to challenge Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight championship at UFC 317 next month. Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev, who is vacating his 155-pound title, is slated to take on the current welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena, later this year.
Topuria`s decision to move up to lightweight follows his historic knockout victory over Max Holloway in his sole featherweight title defense at UFC 308 in October – a first in Holloway`s career. This move initially suggested a potential clash with Makhachev. However, discussions about the long-reigning lightweight champion potentially moving up to welterweight had been circulating for a while. Makhachev consistently appeared open to the challenge, but had publicly expressed his desire for Topuria to secure a win against a top-tier lightweight contender before a potential fight between them.
With Makhachev now confirming his move to welterweight, Topuria has labeled him a “hypocrite,” suggesting Makhachev is doing precisely what he criticized Topuria for. This recent exchange has led many fans to feel they`ve been denied a potentially massive superfight. Interestingly, a segment of fans appears to be hoping for an unfavorable outcome for both fighters.
The MMA Fighting community actively discussed this topic, with various reactions being shared.
Marcus Blakely