Not Topuria, Because Makhachev Doesn’t Want to Be Accused of ‘Bullying the Weaker’

Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, has broken his silence on why he turned down a superfight with Ilia Topuria, despite widespread fan speculation, and instead accepted a high-risk, high-reward bout against Jack Della Maddalena (JDM).

Speaking during a UFC 318 media scrum, Makhachev delivered a calculated and honest message:

“If I beat Ilia Topuria, people will just say, ‘You beat a small guy.’ But if I beat Jack Della Maddalena, I win another belt. That’s legacy.”

The statement sent shockwaves through the MMA world and added another layer to the ongoing debate surrounding superfights, pound-for-pound rankings, and the true meaning of legacy in modern mixed martial arts.

Topuria: The Hype vs. The Size

Following Ilia Topuria’s meteoric rise in the featherweight division and his previous knockout of Max Holloway, many expected him to be next in line for a shot at Makhachev’s lightweight belt.

However, Makhachev had other plans—and he didn’t mince words when asked why he passed on fighting Topuria.

“He’s a great fighter, no doubt. But I want people to remember my name not for beating guys smaller than me. I want history to say: Islam Makhachev went up, challenged bigger men, and became a two-division champion.”

It was a direct shot at the narrative surrounding weight class advantage, and Makhachev made it clear that legacy, not popularity, guides his decisions.

The Choice of Jack Della Maddalena: Risk Meets Reward

Jack Della Maddalena, the Australian powerhouse known for his crisp boxing and knockout power, may not have the social media fame of Topuria, but he brings something Makhachev values more—a true challenge in a heavier division.

JDM is currently riding a win streak that includes dominant performances over top-ranked opponents. More importantly, he fights at welterweight, meaning Makhachev would have to go up a weight class to face him—putting his own frame, cardio, and style to the ultimate test.

“Fighting JDM isn’t about money. It’s about testing myself. If I win that fight, I’m not just a champion—I’m a legend,” Makhachev told reporters.

By taking on JDM, Islam Makhachev is chasing double-champ status, putting himself in the elite company of Daniel Cormier, Conor McGregor, Amanda Nunes, and Henry Cejudo.

Fans React: Mixed Emotions from the MMA Community

The fan reaction to Makhachev’s comments was intense and polarized. On one side, many applauded the Dagestani champion for his honesty and ambition.

“He’s right,” one Reddit user posted. “Beating Topuria, a natural featherweight, won’t do much for his legacy. But going up and dethroning a welterweight killer? That’s greatness.”

Others, especially fans of Ilia Topuria, viewed the statement as a dodge, implying that Makhachev was afraid to face a younger, more explosive fighter who had just shaken up the featherweight division.

“It sounds like he’s running,” another fan tweeted. “Topuria just KO’d Holloway. He’s earned that shot. Makhachev’s playing politics.”

Still, others saw through both arguments and focused on what the fans would ultimately benefit from: epic, high-level matchups—whether it’s JDM or Topuria.

Topuria Responds: “I See Through the Excuses”

It didn’t take long for Ilia Topuria to respond.

“He says I’m too small, but I see through the excuses,” Topuria said on Instagram Live. “I’ve knocked out bigger men. And if he’s not ready to defend his belt, maybe it should go to someone who will.”

The featherweight champion made it clear he still wants the Makhachev fight, and he hinted that he might move up to lightweight permanently by 2026.

“The weight class won’t protect him forever. When we meet, he’ll understand size doesn’t matter when you get hit with power and precision.”

Makhachev vs JDM: A Collision of Styles

The upcoming clash between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena, now confirmed for UFC 320 in Madison Square Garden, is already being billed as a stylistic war.

• Makhachev, the master grappler and disciple of Khabib Nurmagomedov, known for his suffocating top control and high fight IQ.

• JDM, the striker’s striker—relentless pressure, sharp combinations, and fight-finishing power in both hands.

It’s a classic grappler vs. striker narrative, but with higher stakes than ever. If Makhachev wins, he joins the pantheon of UFC greats. If JDM pulls off the upset, he becomes the new face of the welterweight division and halts Makhachev’s historic run.

Why Makhachev’s Strategy Is Smarter Than It Seems

Though some fans accuse him of avoiding Topuria, others argue that Makhachev’s long-term strategy is genius. In MMA, legacy is more than wins—it’s who you beat, and how.

By targeting bigger men instead of smaller champions, Makhachev is aiming to close all debates about strength, dominance, and risk-taking.

He’s not chasing hype. He’s chasing immortality.

“I don’t want to be remembered like some fighters who protect their records. I want people to say I challenged everyone—bigger, stronger, tougher. That’s legacy,” he reiterated.

What This Means for the Lightweight and Featherweight Divisions

While Makhachev is focused on JDM, the lightweight title picture is heating up behind him. Names like Arman Tsarukyan, Dustin Poirier, and Charles Oliveira are jockeying for position.

Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria is likely to defend his featherweight belt soon—possibly against Movsar Evloev or Brian Ortega.

Still, the idea of Topuria vs. Makhachev is far from dead. In fact, Makhachev’s comments might have just added gasoline to the fire, setting the stage for a future mega-fight in late 2026.

Dana White Approves: “This Is What Great Champions Do”

UFC president Dana White supported Makhachev’s decision in a recent interview with ESPN.

“Look, Makhachev doesn’t care about easy fights. He wants legacy. He wants to fight the best guys, the most dangerous guys, and JDM is that. I respect the hell out of that.”

Dana also teased that if Makhachev defeats JDM, he might defend both belts—or drop back to lightweight for a Topuria superfight.

Either way, fans are in for a historic year.

Makhachev’s Place in the GOAT Conversation

With each passing year, Islam Makhachev edges closer to GOAT status. His domination of the lightweight division, combined with his willingness to face bigger fighters, echoes the path of legends like Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva.

If he beats Jack Della Maddalena, the resume becomes undeniable:

• Win streak against elite contenders

• Title defenses at lightweight

• Champion in two divisions

And the best part? He’s not done yet.

“I don’t fight for money,” Makhachev said. “I fight for my name. For my people. For the legacy.”