Daniel Cormier: Islam Makhachev Is “Not Afraid” of Ilia Topuria

As Ilia Topuria prepares to enter the lightweight division, his confidence is undeniable. The undefeated former featherweight champion has publicly stated that he is aiming for either a title shot against Islam Makhachev or a No. 1 contender fight with Charles Oliveira. However, Topuria has taken things a step further—claiming that both Makhachev and Oliveira want no part of him.

This bold declaration has sparked a wave of responses, and among them is a voice that carries undeniable weight in the MMA world—Daniel Cormier.

Cormier Defends Makhachev: No Fear in This Division

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Daniel Cormier, a UFC Hall of Famer and one of the most respected analysts in the sport, completely dismissed the idea that Makhachev—or any elite lightweight—would be afraid of Topuria.

“Ilia Topuria is a cool guy, but I kind of disagree. I know for sure Islam Makhachev is not afraid of him,” Cormier said.

Cormier emphasized that Makhachev, Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and Michael Chandler are all warriors who don’t back down from challenges. In his words, fear is not a factor for professional fighters at this level.

“Those guys aren’t afraid of each other. They’re fighters, and when you’re a fighter, fear is kind of the last thing that crosses your mind in regards to another fighter, especially if all you have to do is fight him.”

Cormier’s response is clear—while Topuria may be a dangerous opponent, his claims of fear among the division’s top contenders are completely unfounded.

The Makhachev Dilemma: Why the Fight Hasn’t Been Booked

While Cormier dismissed the idea of fear, he did acknowledge that there could be legitimate reasons why Makhachev hasn’t immediately agreed to fight Topuria.

Makhachev’s lightweight title reign has been scrutinized for featuring opponents who were either smaller than him or stepping in on short notice. Critics argue that his title defenses against Alexander Volkanovski (a natural featherweight) only added to this narrative.

Because of this, Cormier suggests that Makhachev may be hesitant to fight another former featherweight in Topuria, as it could continue the perception that he is avoiding true lightweight contenders.

“Islam doesn’t want to fight someone who has been at 145,” Cormier said. “Charles wants a title fight. There are so many people that have a clear idea of what their direction is, and that’s why I think they don’t want to fight Ilia.”

This doesn’t mean Makhachev is avoiding Topuria—but rather, he might prefer to face established lightweights to cement his legacy.

Topuria’s Risky Gamble: The Perception of Fear

By publicly suggesting that fighters like Makhachev and Oliveira are ducking him, Topuria is taking a major risk. If he backs up his words with dominant victories, his claims will seem prophetic—a fearless warrior calling his shot and delivering.

But if Topuria struggles at lightweight, his bold words could backfire. Fans and critics will be quick to remind him of his statements if he fails to defeat the division’s top contenders.

This is a high-risk, high-reward strategy—one that has worked for stars like Conor McGregor but has also led to public ridicule for those who couldn’t deliver.

The Business of Big Fights: Money Talks

Regardless of the debate, one thing is undeniable—Topuria vs. Makhachev would be a massive fight.

Cormier acknowledged that while some fighters might have their own plans, when the UFC offers a fight that generates huge pay-per-view sales, those plans can change quickly.

“Ultimately, to fight Ilia is to be in the biggest fight that the weight class can give you right now.”

With Topuria’s undefeated record, knockout power, and rising star power, a clash with Makhachev would be a blockbuster event—a true clash of styles between the dominant grappler and the ferocious striker.

What’s Next? A Defining Moment for Ilia Topuria

As Topuria officially moves to lightweight, he is no longer the hunted—he is now the hunter. But will he secure an immediate title shot, or will he have to prove himself against another top contender first?

If Makhachev declines the fight, will Topuria take on Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, or Arman Tsarukyan to earn his shot?

One thing is certain—the lightweight division just got a whole lot more exciting, and the world will be watching to see if Ilia Topuria truly lives up to his own legend.

Can Ilia Topuria Back Up His Words in the Lightweight Division?

With all the talk surrounding Ilia Topuria’s move to lightweight, the real question remains—can he deliver inside the octagon?

Topuria’s dominance at featherweight was undeniable. His flawless 16-0 record, his brutal knockouts of Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, and his ability to dictate the pace of every fight made him one of the scariest champions in recent history. But lightweight is a different beast.

Fighters at 155 pounds hit harder, have better durability, and are often more well-rounded. While Topuria’s power and striking were overwhelming at featherweight, he will now face opponents who can absorb more damage and fight at a higher pace for longer rounds.

His potential first matchups—Makhachev, Oliveira, Gaethje, or Poirier—all bring dangerous skill sets that could push Topuria in ways he has never experienced before. Makhachev’s suffocating wrestling, Oliveira’s submission game, Gaethje’s relentless pressure, and Poirier’s boxing IQ all pose major threats to the undefeated Spaniard.

If Topuria wins his first fight at lightweight convincingly, he will prove that he belongs among the elite. But if he struggles, the critics will say he should have stayed at featherweight.

This move is a defining moment in his career. Will Ilia Topuria truly become “La Leyenda,” or will his undefeated record come crashing down at the hands of the lightweight division’s best? The UFC world is waiting for an answer.