Ilia Topuria is eager to face Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov in person.
“La Leyenda” is moving up to the lightweight division with a clear goal: to defeat Makhachev for the UFC lightweight championship. Currently holding the featherweight title, Topuria will officially vacate it this Saturday, allowing Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes to compete for it at UFC 314.
While a fight between Topuria and Makhachev hasn`t been officially scheduled, Topuria has consistently discussed its possibility. In a recent interview, when questioned about his perceived advantages over Makhachev, who is ranked as MMA Fighting’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, Topuria expressed strong confidence and had a message for Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib.
“If you ask me, I believe I have the advantage in every aspect of the fight,” Topuria stated. “Personally, I would even ask him, ‘What’s your favorite submission?’ Because I’m going to submit you with that very move.”
“I’ll bring him close to Khabib to submit him. Khabib used to pick fighters up, take them down, and then talk to Dana White. I’ll do the same to Makhachev, but I’ll be talking to Khabib. Khabib, I have to do this.”
Nurmagomedov has previously mentioned that he would prefer Topuria to earn a title shot at 155 pounds rather than be immediately granted one. Both Topuria and Makhachev have impressive records. Topuria is on a 16-0 winning streak, recently defeating Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway by knockout. Makhachev has won 15 fights in a row since his only loss in 2015, including five title defenses.
Despite awaiting news about his lightweight debut, Topuria doubts that UFC CEO Dana White will require him to compete in a No. 1 contender fight.
“[White] wouldn’t suggest that to me,” Topuria said. “He would propose a title fight.”
“There’s no scenario where I have to fight the No. 1 contender,” Topuria continued. “My fight has to be directly for the belt. Personally, I’m hoping for it to happen in the summer, perhaps in September.”
Topuria doesn’t particularly disagree with Nurmagomedov’s questions about his credentials, as he believes they are viewing the situation from different perspectives.
“He says I don’t deserve it, but he’s speaking from a fighter’s point of view,” Topuria explained. “As a promoter, the situation is viewed somewhat differently.”
