Ilia Topuria: “I’m going to subdue Makhachev right in front of Khabib!”
Ilia Topuria is not here to wait his turn. The Spanish-Georgian fighter has made one thing clear: he doesn’t want a “No. 1 Contender” fight – he’s going straight at Islam Makhachev and the UFC lightweight title. UFC featherweight champion Topuria didn’t hold back during a recent podcast appearance, boldly declaring, “I’m going to submit Makhachev right in front of Khabib!” The undefeated fighter expressed confidence in his fighting ability and made it clear that he is considering moving up in weight to challenge current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, a disciple of Khabib Nurmagomedov.
After vacating his featherweight belt, “The Legend” is fully focused on 155-pound gold. “I’m not going to fight to be a contender. I’m going to fight straight for the belt,” he said on the PBD podcast, reaffirming his ambitions. Summer or early fall, possibly September, is when Topuria wants action – and UFC International Fight Week on June 28 sounds like the perfect storm.
No home advantage for Makhachev
Topuria is not interested in facing Makhachev in enemy territory. “Why would he fight in Russia?” he asked. “There are plenty of places in the world.” The message is clear: Topuria wants this confrontation on neutral ground.
The tension mounts, and so do the mind games. Topuria has already visualized the end – and it will be historic. Islam Makhachev has never been submitted. Topuria plans to change that, and with Khabib watching.
The plan? To drown him near Khabib
Topuria isn’t just talking about victory – she’s talking about legacy. “Your favorite submission – the D’Arce choke? I’ll use that one,” he said, referencing Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. “I’m going to submit you near Khabib.”
It’s not just another title fight
This is not just another title fight. It’s a duel with scores to settle. A possible change of era.
