Ilia Topuria: “I’ll Submit Makhachev Right in Front of Khabib!”
Ilia Topuria isn’t here to wait in line. The Spanish–Georgian fighter has made one thing clear: he’s not taking a “No.1 Contender” bout — he’s coming straight for Islam Makhachev and the UFC Lightweight title. UFC featherweight champion, Topuria didn’t hold back during a recent podcast appearance, boldly claiming, “I’ll submit Makhachev right in front of Khabib!” The undefeated fighter expressed confidence in his grappling ability and made it clear he’s eyeing a potential move up in weight to challenge Islam Makhachev, the current lightweight champion and protégé of Khabib Nurmagomedov.
After vacating his Featherweight belt, “La Leyenda” is all in for 155 gold. “I won’t fight to be contender. I’ll fight for the belt directly,” he said on the PBD podcast, doubling down on his ambitions. Summer or early fall, possibly September, is when Topuria wants the smoke — and UFC’s International Fight Week on June 28 sounds like the perfect storm.
No Home Advantage for Makhachev
Topuria isn’t keen on facing Makhachev in enemy territory. “Why would I fight in Russia?” he asked. “There are so many places in the world.” The message is loud: Topuria wants this showdown on neutral ground.
The tension is rising, and so are the mind games. Topuria has already visualized the finish — and it’s historic. Islam Makhachev has never been submitted. Topuria plans to change that, and with Khabib watching.
The Plan? Choke Him Near Khabib
Topuria isn’t just talking victory — he’s talking legacy. “What’s your favorite submission? D’Arce choke? I’ll use that,” he said, referencing Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. “I’ll submit you near Khabib.”
This isn’t just another title fight. It’s a grudge match in the making. A potential changing of the guard.
