Ilia Topuria Statement by Islam Makhachev Must ‘Line Up’ to Fight the New Lightweight Champion

With the UFC’s lightweight and welterweight divisions both experiencing seismic shifts, the rivalry between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria has exploded into one of the most heated stories in MMA today. Once thought to be a passing exchange of words, their beef is now headline material—stoked by ego, ambition, and a chaotic power vacuum in the UFC’s most competitive weight classes.

Islam Makhachev Claps Back Hard at Ilia Topuria

Recently, Islam Makhachev didn’t hold back when responding to Ilia Topuria’s accusations of ducking. In a fiery statement that shook MMA Twitter, the Dagestani champion stated, “Difference between me and you, that I cleaned top list in my division, moved to next, but you ran away from two contenders who had consecutive 5-9 wins in FW division. You are nobody in LW division, just a big mouth from Spain with nice haircut. Go get one W, and we can talk, boy.” The message was loud and clear: Makhachev doesn’t see Topuria as a legitimate threat—yet. However, the verbal tirade also confirmed what many had already suspected. Islam Makhachev is moving on from the lightweight division, chasing a second title at welterweight and potentially leaving the 155-pound strap behind.

Ilia Topuria Fires Back With His Own Swagger

If Makhachev thought that statement would silence the Spanish-Georgian knockout artist, he underestimated Topuria’s ability to return fire. The reigning featherweight champion, who recently dethroned Alexander Volkanovski and solidified his claim as one of the UFC’s top pound-for-pound fighters, responded with biting sarcasm and relentless confidence. Topuria’s response reminded fans why he’s quickly becoming one of the UFC’s most polarizing and marketable stars. He dismissed Makhachev’s record, called out his reluctance to defend the lightweight title against fresh contenders, and even suggested that Team Khabib was manipulating the division to protect their golden boy.

The Lightweight Division Is in Turmoil

Ever since Makhachev hinted at vacating his lightweight title after UFC 315, fans and fighters have speculated about the future of the division. The Dagestani champion has defended the belt against elite opposition, including back-to-back wins over Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski. But his decision to move to welterweight has left the lightweight title picture clouded. Ilia Topuria, fresh off conquering the featherweight division, is one of the most vocal challengers eager to step into the void. However, Makhachev and his camp don’t appear keen on handing him a golden ticket without resistance.

Dana White’s Huge UFC 317 Announcement Looms

Adding fuel to the fire, UFC President Dana White has teased a massive main event for UFC 317, which could dramatically alter both the lightweight and welterweight title landscape. While official confirmation is pending, speculation is swirling that the event could feature Belal Muhammad defending his welterweight title, potentially against Islam Makhachev. If that happens, it would mark a historic opportunity for Makhachev to become a two-division champion—a feat that would elevate his legacy to legendary status. But it also means that the 155-pound belt would be officially vacated, opening the door for Topuria to pounce.

Ilia Topuria’s Path to the Lightweight Throne

Unlike Makhachev, who is moving upward, Ilia Topuria is making the jump from 145 to 155 pounds. And he’s not doing it quietly. After dominating the featherweight division with a perfect record and signature wins over Max Holloway and Volkanovski, Topuria revealed that UFC executives had promised him a lightweight title opportunity if he agreed to vacate his featherweight crown. That promise appears to be on shaky ground, as Team Khabib and Makhachev seem unwilling to hand him a shot without a statement win at 155.

Team Khabib’s Tactical Maneuvering?

One of the most intriguing subplots in this drama is the alleged strategic stalling by Team Khabib. Reports suggest that Makhachev’s camp deliberately slowed down lightweight matchmaking while waiting for developments in the welterweight title scene. Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, even confirmed that a Topuria vs Makhachev fight was floated internally—on the condition that Belal Muhammad successfully defends his welterweight crown. This revelation raises serious questions about how much power and influence Team Khabib wields behind the scenes. Are they protecting Makhachev’s legacy or simply buying time?

Topuria’s Challenge to the Dagestani Legacy

What makes this rivalry particularly spicy is that Ilia Topuria isn’t just challenging Makhachev, he’s challenging an entire dynasty. Topuria has repeatedly targeted Team Khabib, accusing them of handpicking opponents and dodging real threats. His trash talk has not been limited to Makhachev—he’s taken shots at Khabib Nurmagomedov himself, suggesting that the team’s undefeated records are padded by strategic matchmaking. Whether or not these accusations hold water, they’ve definitely struck a nerve. And in the UFC, drama sells.

What’s Next for Islam Makhachev?

Assuming Islam Makhachev moves forward with his welterweight ambitions, his next logical step would be a title fight against Belal Muhammad. That matchup would be an all-Muslim showdown between two of the sport’s most disciplined fighters. Makhachev has long spoken about becoming a double champ, and UFC 317 might finally be his opportunity. However, the danger lies in what happens if he loses. A loss at welterweight could derail his momentum and create a mess in both divisions. Meanwhile, the lightweight belt would be up for grabs, possibly in a clash between Ilia Topuria and another top contender like Dustin Poirier or Justin Gaethje.

Will Topuria Get His Title Shot?

Ilia Topuria has done everything right to position himself for a title shot—he’s undefeated, he’s charismatic, and he’s just come off a dominant title win. But the UFC has always been a business first, and sometimes meritocracy takes a backseat to marketability and timing. If Makhachev vacates, and Dana White sees value in Topuria leading the lightweight division, then expect to see “El Matador” headlining a pay-per-view for gold by late 2025. But if Makhachev decides to return to 155 after a failed welterweight bid, then all bets are off.

The Verdict: A Collision Course or a Dodged Bullet?

Whether Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria ever meet inside the Octagon is still up in the air. The heat is real, the stakes are massive, and the UFC has a golden opportunity to let this rivalry play out on the biggest stage possible. But for now, both fighters are moving in opposite directions. One is chasing history; the other is trying to start a new chapter. If their paths do cross, it might be one of the biggest fights the UFC can make—stylistically, politically, and emotionally. Until then, the war of words will continue to dominate headlines, and fans will keep asking the same question: Is Islam Makhachev running, or is Ilia Topuria just barking up the wrong tree?