Ilia Topuria has openly criticized Islam Makhachev amidst recent UFC developments.
Both fighters were key figures in Dana White`s recent announcement regarding upcoming title picture changes. Makhachev is set to vacate his lightweight championship to move up and challenge new welterweight titleholder Jack Della Maddalena later this year. Meanwhile, Topuria is scheduled to fight former champion Charles Oliveira for the now-vacant lightweight belt at UFC 317 on June 28, headlining the UFC`s International Fight Week.
During an interview with EuroSport, Topuria was questioned about the circumstances leading to his lightweight title shot against Oliveira rather than Makhachev.
“He’s the biggest hypocrite I’ve ever seen in my life,” Topuria stated. “He previously claimed he wouldn’t give me an opportunity because I was the smaller fighter, and now he, being the smaller one, is pursuing the very chance I desired. It appears he criticized a decision or action of mine, only to replicate the exact same thing now. I`ve never witnessed such hypocrisy, but perhaps this is the advice he`s receiving.”
Following up on his remarks, the reporter inquired about a comment from Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, who suggested Topuria should express gratitude to Makhachev for vacating the lightweight title to compete at 170 pounds.
“El Matador” swiftly countered.
“He should be thanking me for not defeating his star, thus preserving his value and credibility,” Topuria explained. “They effectively slipped out the back door. Everyone knows it. It was the fight everyone anticipated. I was prepared for it; I’d put in the preparation and laid everything on the line, but they withdrew.
“From the outset, they consistently avoided agreeing to the fight. Their excuse was always that I wasn`t deserving, that they wouldn`t give another smaller fighter a chance. They never accepted the fight or did me any favors. Their only action was to favor themselves by escaping in time to retain some credibility and value.”
Upon seeing Topuria’s statements circulate on social media, Makhachev issued a response, reaffirming his position that he wanted Topuria to secure a victory in the lightweight division before earning a title shot against him.
“Difference between me and you, that I cleaned top list in my division, moved to next, but you ran away from two contenders who had consecutive 5-9 wins in the [featherweight] division,” Makhachev posted. “You are nobody in [lightweight] division, just a big mouth from Spain with nice haircut. Go get one W, and we can talk boy.”
Predictably, Topuria quickly issued his own reply, continuing the burgeoning rivalry.
“The difference between you and me is that I am a man and you are a coward,” Topuria wrote. “I speak and fight. You talk and hide. Run away far, leaving no trace.”
