The world of MMA has always been filled with colorful characters, but few have mastered the art of selective respect, quite like Ilia Topuria. The featherweight champion is gearing up for his first title defense against Max Holloway at UFC 308. And he just showed fans how to thread the needle between admiration and animosity.
Topuria gave a respectful nod to the retired legend Khabib Nurmagomedov while simultaneously roasting his entire team. The Georgian-Spanish fighter particularly praised ‘The Eagle’s measured approach to public discourse. But that’s where the pleasantries ended as he unleashed a verbal barrage against his teammates.
“Look, one thing I respect about Khabib, the guy is really super respectful. He never says anything about anybody, people talk a lot, he never says anything about anybody. I’ve mentioned Islam and all the cousins come out. They have never knocked anyone out, they get caught using steroids, they are super cheaters, and suddenly they jump,” said Topuria via KOImernero MMA.
The timing couldn’t be more interesting, as Ilia Topuria has been openly campaigning for a shot at Islam Makhachev’s lightweight crown. He believes he has got the champion’s number. Drawing from his background in Greco-Roman wrestling and experience against Dagestani wrestlers, he’s convinced his style would be Makhachev’s kryptonite.
What makes this particularly intriguing is Topuria’s strategic positioning. By showing respect to Khabib while challenging Islam, he’s playing a smart political game in the UFC landscape. Whether this will lead to the super fight he’s angling for remains to be seen.
Ilia Topuria Reaches For Islam Makhachev’s Title
‘El Matador‘ is already plotting his next conquest, but he still hasn’t defended his featherweight belt. The Georgian-Spanish sensation, fresh off his stunning victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, isn’t just dreaming big; he is dreaming double-champ big.
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Ilia Topuria has been vocal about wanting to challenge Islam Makhachev after his fight with Max Holloway. During an Instagram Live session, Topuria couldn’t help but address the elephant in the room: his potential clash with Makhachev.
“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.”
The lightweight champ already has Arman Tsarukyan breathing down his neck, eager to challenge for the title. The UFC typically wants to see champions defend their belts a few times before granting them double-champ opportunities. Ilia Topuria’s enthusiasm is admirable, but he might need to pump the brakes just a tad and focus on his UFC 308 bout.
Also Read: Max Holloway’s Ferocious Knockout Sent Ilia Topuria Out Of The “Human Dimension”
