Ilia Topuria is intensifying his trash talk directed at lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Earlier this year, Topuria made a significant move by relinquishing his featherweight title to compete in the 155-pound division, aiming for a second championship belt. This decision by the 28-year-old Spanish fighter surprised many and led to speculation that he would immediately be granted a shot at the lightweight title.
However, this immediate title opportunity hasn`t materialized. Islam Makhachev, the current lightweight champion and ranked as a top pound-for-pound fighter, insists that Topuria must earn his title shot instead of being handed one simply for changing weight classes. Topuria appears displeased with this stance. In recent comments to reporters, Topuria essentially called Makhachev a coward, as the two elite pound-for-pound fighters continue to move towards a potential matchup.
“I am preparing to fight Islam Makhachev,” Topuria stated. “All my training is focused on either Islam or Charles Oliveira because I don`t see any other legitimate contenders. These are the two names I am considering. Neither of them seems eager to step up and fight.”
“They often say champions should fight whoever is presented to them, but now they claim I am too small to fight. When I change weight classes, they then say I am now the small one. Then, they argue I haven`t earned the title shot yet. These are clear indicators of fear, and we all recognize it. But it`s understandable, I would probably be scared too.”
Topuria is currently ranked as the No. 2 pound-for-pound fighter globally in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings and was recognized as Fighter of the Year for his impressive performances in 2024. However, with only one successful title defense to his record, he doesn`t fit the profile of a long-reigning champion who typically receives automatic title shots when moving to a different weight class.
Makhachev, on the other hand, is currently the UFC`s longest-reigning champion, boasting four successful lightweight title defenses. He recently secured a victory by submitting Renato Moicano, a late-replacement opponent, at UFC 311 in January. Makhachev has also frequently expressed his desire to move up in weight and pursue a title in a second division.
