Ilia Topuria’s Ultimate Challenge: Why He’s Locked In On Islam Makhachev And Charles Oliveira

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For most fighters, capturing UFC gold is the ultimate dream. But for Ilia Topuria, being a champion isn’t just about holding the belt—it’s about proving he’s the best fighter on the planet.

The reigning featherweight champion has never been one to back down from a challenge. Fresh off his dominant title win, Topuria has set his sights on two of the most dangerous men in the UFC—Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira. He isn’t interested in tune-up fights or easier competition. He wants the biggest names, the toughest battles, and the legacy-defining moments.

But the path to either of these fights isn’t so simple. Makhachev and Oliveira seem hesitant to accept the challenge. Why? And more importantly, what happens if they do?

Is this the beginning of Topuria’s rise as a two-division champion? Or is he biting off more than he can chew by calling out two of the most dominant lightweights in UFC history?

Let’s break down the mystery surrounding his challenge, the possible outcomes, and what this could mean for the future of the UFC.

The Callout: “They Are Showing Symptoms of Fear”

Why Islam and Oliveira?

Most featherweight champions would focus on defending their title. But Topuria isn’t satisfied with just one belt—he wants more.

At only 27 years old, he has already established himself as one of the most dangerous strikers and grapplers in the sport. After dismantling Alexander Volkanovski to claim the featherweight crown, he made it clear that his next move was to go after the UFC lightweight title.

His targets? Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion, and Charles Oliveira, the former titleholder.

The Mind Games Begin

In a recent interview, Topuria didn’t hold back when discussing why these two have yet to accept his challenge.

“All my training is focused on Islam or Charles because I don’t see another opponent. They are not stepping up to the challenge. They use phrases like ‘a champion faces everyone they put in front,’ but then say that I’m small, that I have to win more. Those are symptoms of fear.”

With these words, Topuria has thrown down the gauntlet. He believes that both Makhachev and Oliveira are avoiding the fight—not because he’s unworthy, but because they see him as a real threat.

But is there truth to his claim?

The Matchups: Can Topuria Beat Makhachev or Oliveira?

Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev: The Ultimate Test

Islam Makhachev is widely considered one of the most dominant fighters in the UFC today. A disciple of Khabib Nurmagomedov, he has mastered the Dagestani grappling style that has overwhelmed nearly every opponent he has faced.

The Challenges for Topuria

Makhachev’s Smothering Wrestling: No one has been able to stop Islam’s relentless takedowns and control game. Would Topuria’s grappling hold up against it?
Size Difference: Moving up to lightweight means Topuria will be facing bigger, stronger fighters. Could he handle Makhachev’s physicality?
Experience at the Top: Islam has already defended his belt against elite opponents like Volkanovski and Oliveira. Could Topuria handle that level of competition so soon?

Where Topuria Has the Advantage

Striking: Topuria’s boxing is far more refined than Makhachev’s. If he can keep the fight standing, he could cause serious problems for the lightweight champ.
Explosiveness and Power: Unlike many featherweights, Topuria carries knockout power in both hands. If he connects clean, he could end the fight in an instant.
Underrated Jiu-Jitsu: Many forget that Topuria has a dangerous submission game. If he ends up on the ground, he’s not defenseless—he’s a threat.

Could He Actually Win?

If Topuria can stop Makhachev’s takedowns, he could land one of the biggest upsets in UFC history. But that’s a big if. Islam is unlike anyone Topuria has ever faced.

Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira: A Fight of Pure Chaos

If Topuria doesn’t get Makhachev right away, his next best target is Charles Oliveira. The former lightweight champion is one of the most exciting fighters in UFC history, known for his wild striking and deadly submission skills.

The Challenges for Topuria

Oliveira’s Submission Threat: With the most submission wins in UFC history, Oliveira is lethal on the ground. If Topuria makes a mistake, it could be over in seconds.
Aggressive Striking: Unlike Makhachev, Oliveira is not afraid to trade punches. He has knocked out elite fighters before.
Experience in Five-Round Wars: Oliveira has already been in multiple championship fights. He knows what it takes to go five rounds against the best.

Where Topuria Has the Advantage

Boxing Fundamentals: While Oliveira’s striking is dangerous, his defense is questionable. He gets dropped in nearly every fight. If Topuria lands clean, he could knock Oliveira out cold.
Explosiveness: Oliveira starts fast, but Topuria starts even faster. If he pressures Charles early, he could overwhelm him before he even gets going.
Durability: Unlike Oliveira, Topuria hasn’t been knocked out before. He can take damage and keep coming.

Could He Win?

This fight is a coin flip. If Topuria can keep the fight standing, he could finish Oliveira with punches. But if he makes one mistake and ends up on the ground? It could be over in an instant.

The Road Ahead: Will Makhachev or Oliveira Accept the Challenge?

Will the UFC Make These Fights Happen?

Right now, both Makhachev and Oliveira have their own priorities. Islam is likely waiting for his next title defense, and Oliveira may be looking for a direct shot at reclaiming his belt.

But Topuria’s pressure is impossible to ignore. If he keeps calling them out and fans demand the fight, the UFC may have no choice but to book it.

Could Topuria Be the Next UFC Double Champion?

If he gets the fight and wins, Topuria would become one of the youngest two-division champions in UFC history. Only legends like Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, and Amanda Nunes have held belts in two weight classes. Could Topuria be next?

Or is he aiming too high, too soon?

Is This the Next Superfight?

Ilia Topuria isn’t waiting for permission. He has already declared war on the UFC lightweight division. The only question now is—who will step up first?

If Makhachev accepts, we could see one of the greatest wrestler vs. striker battles in UFC history.
If Oliveira steps in, it could be an all-out war where someone is bound to get finished.

Either way, the mystery surrounding Ilia Topuria’s next fight is only growing stronger. Will he shock the world and take out a lightweight legend? Or will he realize that moving up is a much bigger challenge than he expected?

At this point, one thing is clear: Topuria isn’t just here to win—he’s here to build a legacy.

Who do you think will answer Topuria’s challenge first—Makhachev or Oliveira? Let the debate begin.