UFC featherweight Ilia Topuria has launched verbal attacks against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, sparking a public back-and-forth.
Both fighters were prominent figures in recent announcements by UFC President Dana White. White revealed that Makhachev will vacate his lightweight title to challenge new welterweight king Jack Della Maddalena later this year. Meanwhile, Topuria is set to face Charles Oliveira for the now-vacant lightweight championship in the main event of UFC 317 on June 28th, part of the UFC’s International Fight Week.
In an interview with EuroSport, Topuria addressed the fact that his first lightweight title opportunity wouldn`t be against Makhachev.
Topuria did not hold back, calling Makhachev “the biggest hypocrite I’ve ever seen in my life.” He elaborated by saying that Makhachev previously refused to grant him a fight, citing Topuria`s smaller stature. Now, according to Topuria, Makhachev is doing the exact same thing by moving up in weight to challenge a larger opponent. Topuria expressed his disbelief at this perceived inconsistency, suggesting it might be due to the advice Makhachev is receiving.
Following up, the reporter brought up a comment from Makhachev`s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, who suggested Topuria should express gratitude to Makhachev for vacating the championship and moving up to the 170-pound division.
Topuria, known as “El Matador,” was quick to offer a sharp retort.
He countered that Makhachev should actually be grateful to *him* for not fighting him, which he believes helped preserve Makhachev`s reputation and value. Topuria claimed that Makhachev and his team intentionally avoided the matchup, which he felt was the fight the fans wanted and one he was fully prepared for. He accused them of “sneaking out the back door” and never truly accepting the challenge, consistently using his size as an excuse. Topuria asserted that vacating the belt wasn`t a favor to him, but rather a calculated move by Makhachev`s side to escape and maintain their credibility.
After seeing the interview clip circulating on social media, Makhachev decided to respond to Topuria`s accusations. He stood by his position, stating that he believed Topuria needed to secure at least one victory in the lightweight division before earning a title shot against him.
Makhachev`s written response highlighted what he sees as a key difference between them: he claims to have cleared out his own division before moving up, while alleging Topuria ran away from strong contenders in the featherweight division. He downplayed Topuria`s standing at lightweight, describing him as “nobody” in the division, albeit one with “a big mouth” and a “nice haircut” from Spain. Makhachev concluded by challenging Topuria to get a win at 155 pounds before seeking a conversation with him.
Predictably, Topuria wasted no time in firing back with his own reply in the escalating dispute.
Topuria`s final message was concise and cutting. He stated the difference between them is that he is a “man” and Makhachev is a “coward.” He contrasted his own actions, saying he speaks and fights, while accusing Makhachev of only talking and then hiding or running away without a trace.
Marcus Blakely 
Wesley Dunham