Islam Makhachev a Coward? Ilia Topuria’s Savage Vow to ‘Humiliate’ the Champ Sparks UFC Firestorm!

Ilia Topuria has never been known to bite his tongue, but his latest callout of lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has set the MMA world ablaze. After dispatching Alexander Volkanovski to become the UFC Featherweight Champion, Topuria immediately turned his attention to the 155-pound throne—currently occupied by one of the most dominant fighters in recent years. But the story isn’t just about ambition. It’s about accusations of fear, a brewing inter-divisional rivalry, and the question that now echoes through gyms and fan forums alike: is Islam Makhachev ducking Ilia Topuria?

Ilia Topuria’s Confidence Reaches New Heights

After a career-defining performance against Volkanovski, Ilia Topuria is now considered one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC. Undefeated, brimming with swagger, and wielding knockout power in both hands, Topuria’s rise has been meteoric. He’s not content with simply being the best featherweight on the planet. Topuria has made it clear that he wants to dominate the lightweight division next, and he sees Islam Makhachev as the perfect opponent to cement his legacy.

“I want to humiliate him,” Topuria said in a fiery interview shortly after his title win. “Makhachev is hiding behind excuses. If he’s the real champion, he should accept my challenge.”

That one statement sent shockwaves through the MMA community, instantly igniting debates over whether Makhachev was ducking or simply being strategic about his career.

Islam Makhachev’s Silence and Selective Focus

Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, has so far avoided a direct confrontation with Topuria. Instead, he’s focused his attention on potential superfights and even expressed interest in moving up to welterweight to challenge for a second title. He recently told reporters, “I already fought Volkanovski. I beat him twice. Why should I fight another featherweight?”

That sentiment, while logical on paper, has done little to quiet the speculation. Many fans and analysts view it as a subtle duck of a real challenge. After all, Topuria is not Volkanovski. He is younger, undefeated, and stylistically very different. He also brings a new level of charisma and hype to the equation—something the UFC undoubtedly sees value in.

Topuria didn’t miss a beat, responding on social media: “You fought Volk because you thought it was an easy fight. Now you see a real threat, and you’re scared.”

The UFC’s Promotional Dilemma

The UFC now finds itself at a crossroads. On one hand, it could book Makhachev against another top lightweight like Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, or Arman Tsarukyan. On the other, they have a golden opportunity to promote a champion vs. champion superfight between two undefeated warriors.

From a business perspective, Topuria vs. Makhachev has it all: skill, stakes, and the type of bad blood that sells pay-per-views. But there’s also the risk of logjamming two divisions. If Topuria moves up and wins, does he vacate the featherweight title? If he loses, does that damage his stock? And what if Makhachev loses to someone coming up from a smaller weight class?

Despite the complications, UFC President Dana White has acknowledged the buzz. “People want to see it. That’s always what matters most. We’ll see what happens,” he said.

Fans Divided: Ducking or Strategy?

MMA fans are sharply divided. Supporters of Makhachev argue that he’s already beaten top-tier opponents and doesn’t owe anyone anything. They claim Topuria should defend his featherweight belt before looking to double dip.

However, Topuria’s fans argue the opposite. They point to Makhachev’s own quick leap to a title shot without cleaning out the division and note that the UFC has historically rewarded fighters who generate buzz and command attention.

On social media platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and Instagram, hashtags like #MakhachevDuckingTopuria have begun to trend. One fan tweeted, “Makhachev fought Volk twice because he thought it was safe. Now Ilia comes for him and suddenly he’s looking at 170. Coincidence? I think not.”

Topuria’s Training and Mindset

Topuria isn’t just talking—he’s preparing. Recent footage from his camp shows him sparring with bigger opponents and working extensively on takedown defense, anticipating Makhachev’s world-class grappling.

“I know how he fights. I know his weaknesses. I will stop his takedowns and finish him,” Topuria said.

His coaches have backed him up, noting that his ability to generate knockout power even when moving backward makes him a uniquely difficult challenge for wrestlers like Makhachev.

Topuria has also been working on his endurance and cardio, ensuring he can go five hard rounds if necessary. His team believes Makhachev has never faced someone with Topuria’s combination of speed, power, and precision striking.

Makhachev’s Historic Run Under Threat?

No one can take away what Islam Makhachev has accomplished. Since capturing the lightweight belt from Charles Oliveira, he’s defended it against Volkanovski twice and solidified his position as the division’s top dog. But critics argue he’s avoided stylistically dangerous fights—particularly against power punchers who can wrestle.

Topuria, unlike most of Makhachev’s opponents, doesn’t have to close the distance to do damage. He can hurt you from mid-range and even punish you coming in. That alone changes the risk equation for Islam, who is used to dictating pace and position.

The Pay-Per-View Factor and UFC 307 Speculation

Rumors are swirling that the UFC is targeting UFC 307 as the possible venue for this mega showdown. Although nothing has been confirmed, the timing lines up for both fighters, and the location is rumored to be Madison Square Garden or Las Vegas.

The UFC will be watching closely to see how the public responds over the next month. If demand continues to skyrocket, it will become increasingly difficult to justify not booking the fight.

Other Lightweights Weigh In

Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier, both veterans of the division, have chimed in on the possible matchup. Gaethje said, “Topuria’s got hands, man. That fight sells. Islam better not sleep on him.”

Poirier was a bit more reserved, stating, “Topuria’s good, but let’s see him fight a real lightweight first. Moving up isn’t easy.”

Even Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s mentor, weighed in indirectly by liking tweets that suggest Makhachev should focus on legacy fights—not hype.

Could Topuria Be the One to Dethrone Makhachev?

Makhachev has shown very few weaknesses, but the matchup with Topuria is intriguing. Ilia has the footwork, striking, and defensive wrestling to keep the fight standing. If he can do that, he can land the type of shots that end fights.

Makhachev would likely aim to get the fight to the ground early and often, grinding Topuria down and neutralizing his explosiveness. But if Topuria can defend early takedowns and create doubt, the fight could shift rapidly in his favor.

Conclusion: UFC’s New Superfight in the Making?

Whether or not you believe Islam Makhachev is ducking Ilia Topuria, there’s no denying that this is the fight fans want to see. The ingredients are all there: unbeaten records, championship belts, national pride, and genuine animosity.

The UFC has an opportunity to book a fight that could define a new era in both the featherweight and lightweight divisions. Topuria wants to humiliate the champ, and Makhachev wants to protect his legacy. Only one can walk away with both pride and the belt.

As speculation builds and tensions rise, UFC fans can only hope that the octagon doors will close on these two warriors before the end of the year. If that happens, it won’t just be a fight—it will be a moment etched into MMA history.