Ilia Topuria is done playing the waiting game. The undefeated Spanish-Georgian fighter has made it clear that he wants only one thing: a title fight with Islam Makhachev. After vacating his featherweight belt and announcing his move to lightweight, Topuria was widely expected to receive a title shot. But with Makhachev reportedly hesitant, the situation has become a standoff from which Topuria isn’t backing down.
Ilia Topuria Won’t Fight in the UFC Unless It’s Islam Makhachev
Topuria sat down with Joe Rogan on his podcast recently and didn’t mince words when it came to his next career move. The UFC standout declared that he refuses to take any fight that doesn’t include Makhachev’s name on the contract:
“I would like to fight with Islam,” Topuria said. “I wouldn’t fight for a No. 1 contender fight. I don’t care if Islam decides that he doesn’t want to fight me.”
“You say you are a world champion, keep dominating the division, (and) all that. I’m here. You can’t keep avoiding me all the time.”
The 27-year-old isn’t bluffing. Topuria explained that when he vacated the 145-pound title, it was with the understanding that a shot at the lightweight crown would be next:
“I got a promise (from the UFC) that I would fight for the title in my next fight. So, how much time will you stop me from fighting? I proved that I deserve the chance.”
Check out Ilia Topuria’s comments below:
Ilia Topuria won’t compete in the UFC again until Islam Makhachev agrees to fight 👀 pic.twitter.com/yFhxSKUj3j
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) April 16, 2025
Topuria believes the UFC understands the magnitude of the fight between him and Makhachev. It’s not just about rankings; he sees it as one of the biggest matchups the company can put together.
Ilia Topuria Responds to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Take on Potential Islam Makhachev Fight
Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, recently stated that the lightweight champ should face a top contender instead of Topuria. That didn’t sit well with the Spaniard.
Taking to social media, Topuria fired back at ‘The Eagle’ with a bold claim:
“Khabib knows I’m the one to take the belt from Islam. The only reason he doesn’t want Islam to fight me.”
Check out Ilia Topuria’s post below:
Khabib knows I’m the one to take the belt from Islam. Only reason he doesn’t want Islam to fight me
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) April 16, 2025
With an impressive 15-0 record that includes his stunning knockout victory over Alexander Volkanovski to claim the featherweight title in February, Topuria has positioned himself as one of the UFC’s most formidable champions. His willingness to immediately challenge for a second title demonstrates not only confidence but a strategic career move that could elevate him to the elite two-division champion status, something he’s made clear is part of his long-term vision.
UFC CEO Dana White has yet to publicly address Topuria’s ultimatum, leaving fans speculating whether the promotion will grant the Spanish-Georgian fighter his wish or force him into a holding pattern.
Dana White is asked if Ilia Topuria vs Islam Makhachev is the fight to make next:
“There’s still other possibilities. There’s a lot of sh*t going on right now.” 👀👀#UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/Q06AAQk1nn
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 23, 2025