Kilia Topuria Challenges Islam Makhachev on Joe Rogan’s Show: ‘No One Else, Just Waiting to Take Down the Champion!’

The UFC lightweight division has been on fire in recent years, with champions rising and falling in dramatic fashion. But now, the spotlight shifts once again—this time to Ilia Topuria, the newly crowned featherweight king, who boldly declared on The Joe Rogan Experience that he’s ready to move up and challenge the reigning lightweight champ Islam Makhachev. With the quote, “No one else, just waiting to take down the champion,” Topuria fired the first official shot in what could be the UFC’s next mega-superfight.

Topuria’s challenge wasn’t just casual talk. It was confident, calculated, and filled with intent. Sitting across from Rogan—arguably the sport’s most influential commentator—Topuria made it clear: the lightweight crown is next. And Makhachev? He’s the target.

What makes this potential showdown so compelling is not just the clash of styles, but the collision of legacies. Makhachev, the dominant force trained by Khabib Nurmagomedov, stands as a mountain few dare to climb. But Topuria? He’s already conquered one peak—and now he’s coming for the summit.

Ilia Topuria’s Fearless Statement on Joe Rogan’s Show

It’s one thing to call out a champion—it’s another to do it on the most-watched MMA podcast in the world. Joe Rogan’s platform reaches millions, and Topuria knew exactly what he was doing. He didn’t hesitate. He didn’t dodge. He stared down the future and said, “I’m not interested in anyone else. Just Islam.”

The UFC featherweight champion’s declaration wasn’t just about ambition—it was about legacy. Ilia Topuria wants to be remembered as a two-division champion, something only a select few in UFC history have achieved. And he doesn’t want to waste time climbing the lightweight ladder. He’s aiming straight for the top.

Rogan, known for his sharp questions, asked Topuria if he felt ready for such a leap. Topuria’s reply was instant: “I know I can beat him. It’s just a matter of time.” Those words are now echoing across gyms, media circles, and UFC headquarters.

Islam Makhachev: The Lightweight King Facing a New Kind of Threat

Islam Makhachev has carved out a reputation as one of the most dominant forces in UFC history. Following in the footsteps of his mentor Khabib, Makhachev’s suffocating wrestling, improved striking, and fight IQ have turned him into a seemingly unbeatable champion.

After defeating Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski in back-to-back dominant fashion, it seemed like Makhachev had cleared out the division. But with Topuria’s challenge, the game changes. Makhachev now faces a new kind of opponent—one with elite striking, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and absolutely nothing to lose.

What makes Topuria dangerous is his belief. He doesn’t fear Makhachev. He doesn’t respect the aura. And that mindset could be the very thing that unsettles the Dagestani machine.

Bold Style Matchup: Striker vs. Grappler With Championship Stakes

At the heart of this potential showdown lies a fascinating stylistic clash. Topuria is a violent, precision-based striker with knockout power, while Makhachev is a master of control, pressure, and positional dominance.

Topuria’s ability to deliver devastating punches with sniper accuracy has left a trail of broken opponents. His fight IQ, ability to mix striking with slick submissions, and explosive takedown defense make him a unique threat—even to someone as well-rounded as Makhachev.

On the flip side, Islam Makhachev has dismantled everyone who dared challenge his ground game. His timing, chain wrestling, and suffocating top control have neutralized elite strikers like Oliveira and Volkanovski. The question is simple: Can Topuria keep the fight standing long enough to land the kill shot?

If he can, we might witness one of the greatest upsets in UFC history.

Topuria’s Meteoric Rise and the Featherweight Domination

Ilia Topuria’s journey to UFC stardom has been nothing short of cinematic. Born in Germany to Georgian parents, raised in Spain, and trained across continents, Topuria brings a truly global flair to his fights. But make no mistake—his path to UFC gold was paved with grit, violence, and highlight-reel finishes.

In February 2024, Topuria dethroned Alexander Volkanovski in dominant fashion, handing the Aussie his first featherweight loss and shocking the MMA world. His performance was crisp, aggressive, and surgical. After the fight, many questioned whether anyone in the featherweight division could touch him.

But instead of sitting back and enjoying his reign, Topuria began eyeing the next mountain. And now, with the featherweight division relatively thin, the Georgian-Spanish star is choosing legacy over comfort. He wants to challenge himself—and Islam Makhachev is the ultimate test.

Dana White’s UFC Dream: Topuria vs. Makhachev Is a Global PPV Blockbuster

From a promotional standpoint, a fight between Topuria and Makhachev is a dream come true. It’s Spain vs. Dagestan, striker vs. grappler, undefeated vs. nearly untouchable. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the fan interest is guaranteed.

Dana White, who has previously praised Topuria’s marketability and fighting spirit, would love nothing more than to headline a massive event—potentially in Europe or Abu Dhabi—with this super-fight. It’s the kind of matchup that could generate millions in PPV revenue, especially given Topuria’s fast-growing Hispanic fanbase and Makhachev’s loyal followers in the Middle East and Russia.

In the UFC’s post-Khabib, post-McGregor era, this is the kind of cross-divisional clash that reignites global interest.

Topuria’s Mental Warfare: Already Getting Under Makhachev’s Skin?

Ilia Topuria’s confidence isn’t just physical—it’s mental warfare. By publicly stating that no one else matters and he’s waiting solely for Makhachev, Topuria is turning the pressure dial all the way up. He’s essentially telling the world: I already beat one pound-for-pound king, now I want the next one.

Makhachev has never been rattled by trash talk or mind games. But Topuria isn’t your average loudmouth. His words come with the weight of results. When you back up your talk with title-winning performances, the world starts to listen—and the champion starts to pay attention.

Don’t be surprised if this mental pressure begins to shift the narrative. While Makhachev is currently focused on defending his title against contenders like Arman Tsarukyan or Dustin Poirier, Topuria is making it impossible to ignore his presence.

Fan Reactions: Social Media Blows Up With Excitement and Debate

Once Topuria’s comments on Rogan’s show went viral, MMA Twitter erupted. Fans began fantasy-booking the fight, comparing the two fighters’ resumes, and debating whether Topuria has what it takes to jump weight and take down the champ.

Some believe it’s too early. Others argue Topuria’s momentum is undeniable. Hashtags like #TopuriaVsMakhachev and #DoubleChampIlia started trending within hours, signaling that this fight—if booked—would instantly become one of the biggest of the year.

Even UFC fighters chimed in. Several have praised Topuria’s guts, while others warned him not to underestimate the suffocating force that is Islam Makhachev. The verdict? This is a fight the world wants.

The Path Forward: What Needs to Happen for This Superfight to Materialize?

For this fight to happen, a few dominoes must fall into place. Makhachev is expected to defend his title next—likely against Arman Tsarukyan or the winner of Poirier vs. Gaethje. If he wins again, and Topuria successfully defends his featherweight crown once more, the UFC will have every reason to book this superfight in early 2026.

It’s the perfect storyline. A dominant lightweight king facing the undefeated featherweight champion. Two streaks. Two legacies. One belt.

If Dana White and the matchmakers are smart—and they are—this is the fight they’ll start building right now.

Final Thoughts: Will Topuria Shock the World Again?

Ilia Topuria’s bold declaration on The Joe Rogan Experience wasn’t just hype—it was a warning. He’s not interested in long featherweight defenses or legacy padding. He wants to do what few dare: move up and dethrone one of the most feared champions in UFC history.

Can he do it? That remains to be seen. But if his performance against Volkanovski was any indication, Ilia Topuria is more than just hype—he’s a storm in the making. And Islam Makhachev, for the first time in a long time, might have a real threat waiting in the shadows.

Because when Topuria says, “No one else, just waiting to take down the champion,” it’s not a question. It’s a mission.