Topuria Slams Makhachev Plans
There’s a new lion prowling in the UFC jungle, and his name is Ilia Topuria. The newly crowned featherweight champion may be riding the high of his dominant title win, but he’s clearly not impressed with every move his lightweight peers are makingespecially when it comes to Islam Makhachev’s welterweight ambitions.
“Do Your Job First”
In an interview that’s already making the rounds in MMA circles, Topuria took an unapologetic jab at the reigning lightweight kingpin. “He still has to defend his lightweight belt,” Topuria said bluntly, showing zero hesitation in throwing shade at Makhachev’s apparent intentions to move up for a shot at welterweight gold.
Sure, Makhachev has been lauded as one of the most dominant champions in the sport. With back-to-back wins over Alexander Volkanovski and an iron grip on the 155-pound throne, the Dagestani star has made a strong case for GOAT status. But Topuria’s take is clear: the journey to greatness isn’t just about climbing weight divisionsit’s about cleaning out your division first.
A Champion with Old-School Values
Topuria’s comments come hot on the heels of becoming the new sheriff in the featherweight division after dismantling Volkanovski at UFC 298. It was a performance that announced El Matador not just as a future star, but as someone who may be here for a long reign.
Still, success hasn’t made him shy. Unlike some champions who play the game quietly and politely, Topuria plays it with flair. And fiery opinions.
His criticism of Makhachev wasn’t just a potshotit came bundled with old-school principles that fans love to hear. “You need to defend your title, fight the contenders, not just jump to another division,” he said. Given the growing trend of champions pursuing double-champ status rather than solidifying their legacy within their weight class, Topuria’s words carried real weight (pun intended).
The Double-Champ Craze: Not Everyone’s a Fan
The UFC has seen a surge in fighters aiming to make the leap across divisions, often in pursuit of that mythical double-champ status. Makhachev’s rumored desire to step up to 170 pounds and challenge for the welterweight belt puts him in line behind the likes of Conor McGregor, Amanda Nunes, Daniel Cormier, and Henry Cejudoall of whom have etched their names into history by conquering two divisions.
But Topuria appears to be cut from a different cloth. He’s more focused on reigning than expanding. And maybe that’s the kind of energy the sport needs right nowan anchor who believes in discipline, title defenses, and taking on every hungry contender who comes knocking.
Seeds for a Mega-Fight?
Could this exchange be planting the seeds for a future blockbuster? One thing you can never discount in the UFC is Dana White’s love for two things: trash talk and ticket sales.
Should both men keep steamrolling through their divisions, a Topuria vs. Makhachev clashespecially at a catchweightsuddenly feels very real. It wouldn’t be the first time stockpiles of trash talk led to a mega-pay-per-view event (see McGregor vs. everyone).
From a stylistic standpoint, it’s fascinating too. Topuria’s sharp boxing and wrestling-based grappling meeting Makhachev’s suffocating sambo and ground control? Cue the goosebumps.
Focus First, Fight Later
Still, Ilia Topuria isn’t looking to be the villain herehe’s just calling it like he sees it. And in his eyes, Makhachev shouldn’t be thinking about a shiny welterweight crown when there’s still unfinished business at 155.
“You haven’t defended your belt enough times. Clean your division before looking for another belt.” That’s the kind of comment that either sparks motivation or fires back with fury. Either way, the message is sent.
Final Take
Topuria’s words weren’t just spicy soundbites for the headlinesthey reflect a core debate that’s rippling through modern MMA: is it better to dominate one division or to collect belts across two? While the trend leans toward ladder-hopping grandeur, Topuria is planting his flag in the traditionalist campand calling out anyone who plays it the other way.
Islam Makhachev may still reign supreme at lightweight, but if he’s looking up at welterweight, he might want to glance sideways occasionally. There’s a fierce featherweight who isn’t afraid to talk, challenge, andjust maybedethrone kings across divisions himself. But only after defending his title, of course.
