Ilia Topuria’s ambitions are soaring higher than ever. The featherweight champ isn’t content with just one belt around his waist. He’s got his sights set on lightweight gold, too. Fresh off his stunning victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, Topuria is gearing up for his first title defense. He’ll face former champ Max Holloway at UFC 308 later this month. But “El Matador” is already thinking two steps ahead.
In a recent Instagram Live session, Topuria boldly declared his intentions. He wants Islam Makhachev next. The lightweight king is in his crosshairs, and his confidence is through the roof.
“How many times [will people ask] already, right? Absolutely. Of course… Makhachev, real soon. [I] hope Makhachev will be next after this fight. [I] hope after this fight.”
But Ilia Topuria has a tough test in Max Holloway first. “Blessed” is no pushover. He’s a legend in his own right, and ‘El Matador’ might be biting off more than he can chew here. Still, he is not afraid to ruffle some feathers. Ilia Topuria will face the veteran Holloway at UFC 308. He also has a list of contenders to go through before considering moving up in weight.
Ilia Topuria Beefs With Islam Makhachev Ahead of His UFC 308 Fight
Topuria’s mouth is writing checks his fists might have to cash. The featherweight champ isn’t just focused on his upcoming title defense. He’s stirring up drama with lightweight king Islam Makhachev. He is gearing up to face Max Holloway at UFC 308. But apparently, that’s not enough excitement for the undefeated fighter.
Ilia Topuria recently aimed Makhachev during a previous Instagram Live session. He didn’t pull any punches, either verbally or hypothetically. The Spanish-Georgian fighter boldly claimed he’d handle Makhachev in the octagon but not in the street.
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“The truth is that of course I do. He’s a great fighter. Sometimes he talks too much, sometimes not, but we can always resolve it in the octagon. Not in the streets because I’ll have to pay for his medical bills.”
But this was not just a one-sided beef. Usman Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s training partner, jumped into the fray. He questioned Topuria’s street fighting credentials, and ‘El Matador’ replied. The beef continued, encompassing many fighters in the Team Khabib camp.
Also Read: “F**k You Conor” – Ilia Topuria Unleashes Fury On Conor McGregor After Controversial ‘Slap’ Comments
