Since claiming the featherweight title, Ilia Topuria has set his sights on capturing a second belt. In pursuit of this goal, Topuria has frequently called out Islam Makhachev for a potential fight. Fans have also witnessed the two engage in a social media feud. However, the Russian fighter recently dismissed Topuria’s double champ aspirations, though he hinted he might take the fight if the UFC and fans demand it.
Makhachev has not fought since June 2024 but is now reportedly in talks to headline UFC 311. However, it is still unconfirmed whether the Russian fighter will compete at the event. In the lead-up to his return, Makhachev recently dismissed the idea of facing another featherweight fighter, citing his previous two bouts against Alexander Volkanovski and the criticism he received for fighting featherweights. Despite this, Makhachev expressed interest in a potential matchup with the Spanish fighter. In an interview, the lightweight champion stated,
“If I beat him, what will that do for me?… Everyone will once again say that I beat a featherweight. But if people really want to see him lose, then we can do it.”
Islam Makhachev says he isn’t interested in fighting Ilia Topuria:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 4, 2024
“If I beat him, what will that do for me?… Everyone will once again say that I beat a featherweight…
But if people really want to see him lose, then we can do it.”
🎥 MatchTV #UFCpic.twitter.com/cQUWzdiRzI
Makhachev mentioned that he could face the featherweight champion, but first, he needs to make his comeback fight in the UFC. He also added that if necessary, he would fight Topuria.
Islam Makhachev Opens Door to Fight Ilia Topuria: ‘We’ll Fight if Necessary
Makhachev and Topuria have been exchanging words on social media, intensifying their rivalry, which could eventually lead to a potential fight. Home of Fight shared a clip from the Russian fighter’s interview with Russian outlet Match TV, where he discussed the possibility of a super fight with ‘El Matador’ and expressed his openness to it. The lightweight champion said,
“Topuria is a champion, he has to talk. We’ll definitely have some conversations with him. He talks about me all the time. He probably wants to get something across to me. Let’s go out and talk. We’ll fight if necessary.”
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Islam Makhachev on Ilia Topuria:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 3, 2024
"We’ll definitely have some kind of conversation with him. He talks about me all the time. He probably wants to get something across…. Let’s go out and talk.
We’ll fight if necessary." 😳
(via. Match TV) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/YfJy9gJd3P
The recent comments from the Russian fighter have sparked hope among fans for a future clash against the featherweight champion. However, for now, fans will have to wait for Makhachev’s comeback in the octagon.