‘I’ll have to pay for his medical bills’… Ilia Topuria states he is open to fighting Islam Makhachev because the Russian ‘talks too much’

[Ser das Trevas]

x.com

t.co

 

[Contempt]

I'd love to watch Islam smash this giant douche...

 

[kneebartotheface]

Or just fight max and then Alex if you win.

 

[Luffy]

Heh, that'd be a match I'd really want to see. Llia Topuria seems like DDP in this aspect to me, this crazy will to go through the opponents with the young fighter vibe. It's a new era

 

[Ser das Trevas]

UFC featherweight champion has admitted that in the future, he would consider moving back up to the lightweight division to take on Islam Makhachev stating that the champion ‘talks too much’.

The undefeated featherweight is scheduled to defend his title against Max Holloway at UFC 308 on October 26, and ahead of his bout, he has talked about the potential of moving up to lightweight in the future.

Despite having only fought at 155lbs once during his 15-fight career, ‘El Matador’ emphatically knocked out Jai Herbert in his lone lightweight outing in 2022.

Ilia Topuria is open to fighting Islam Makhachev in the future
With Ilia Topuria growing in star power with each outing, champions wanting to move up or down a weight class to become a double champion have become a regular occurrence in the UFC.

Ahead of his UFC 308 title defense, Topuria has continuously exhibited his confidence heading into the fight against ‘Blessed’ Holloway, and in a recent Instagram live video, the 27-year-old claimed he is going to give Holloway exactly what he needs.

“Max doesn’t even know what awaits him… In one round. They don’t know how I am. I’m at full throttle… Poor guy, really. I like him too much for what’s going to happen to him. Max really doesn’t have a chance… He’s not going to be able to exchange with me because he’s going to get what he really needs, to have his nose put back in its place,” Topuria said on the live video.

If the 27-year-old does pass the test of Holloway, he will likely have a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski who is waiting in the wings. However, the Spaniard has admitted that he would be open to fighting Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title.

“Why not (move up to lightweight)? I’ve done it once, I could do it again. The truth is that of course I do (see myself fighting Makhachev). He’s a great fighter. Sometimes he talks too much, sometimes not. But we can always resolve it in the Octagon, not in the streets because I’ll have to pay for his medical bills,” Topuria continued.

Link: https://bloodyelbow.com/2024/10/03/...makhachev-because-the-russian-talks-too-much/

 

[Ladron4sherdog]

Yawn. Sounds as though he's trying to convince people that he actually believes what he's saying.

 

[Tracav]

I agree with Ilia

 

[liner]

A champ, who is undefeated, who wants big fights. Brings knock outs. And his talk already has generated haters. Amazing!

 

[Rubios]

For me, Islam is the current best fighter in the UFC and the gap is getting quite wide.

Topuria has walked the walk so far, but I feel he's pointing in the wrong direction this time. Now that he's the champ, he should avoid talking about the elephant in the room.

Because Volk actually went up and fought Islam. Yes, Islam didn't have the best rehydration and whatnot, but Alex didn't only survive 5 rounds, but had his chances and was able to stand his ground and give Islam the toughest fight of his career. Yes, I know Islam has 1 loss, whatever.
I think Makhachev won. Some people called it a draw, others a razor thin decission, and some got Volk winning.

Now, any of you believe Ilia would have a chance against Islam?

What's next? Calling out DP or JG?

Let's wait for 308 and see how Top looks against Max. As for now, he has no business against any top dog at 155.

 

[sdpdude9]

Got lots of work to do at 145 before he earns another title shot. Unless he wants to vacate and beat a lightweight contender first.

 

[Tweak896]

Probably would do better than Poirier or Olivera. Idk if his wrestling is enough to keep it standing, but if it is, Islam would be in for a long night.

 

[Sycho Sid]

Topuria saying someone talks too much....

 

[jx820]

Anything that keeps Islam from ever fighting a LW #1 contender. He's only had the belt for 2 years and I don't want to rush into it.

 

[MrBlackheart]

Ilia has the best chance to beat Islam compared to the currents LWs. The bad thing for Islam is that when he beats Ilia, haters be like “oh great, he beat another FW”.

 

[octagonation]

If Topuria beats the winner of Sterling vs Movsar he has cleaned the division and should fight Islam but he needs to beat the winner of that fight

 

[Portland8242]

Ilia has the best chance to beat Islam compared to the currents LWs. The bad thing for Islam is that when he beats Ilia, haters be like “oh great, he beat another FW”.

Lol no he's not, he's too small to give Islam any problems.

 

[octagonation]

Lol no he's not, he's too small to give Islam any problems.

He is not small. Ilia is a tank and not small. Besides Ilia will smoke Hollaway easy but if he beats winner of Sterling and Movsar he haa cleaned the division.

He should fight Mackhaev if he wins

 

[Blanqa Blanqua]

He is not small. Ilia is a tank and not small.

 

[Rubios]

Probably would do better than Poirier or Olivera. Idk if his wrestling is enough to keep it standing, but if it is, Islam would be in for a long night.

Lol wut

 

[Tweak896]

Lol wut

You don't think Topuria could slip Islam's striking defence? I mean it's a stretch to think Topuria would have TDD to stay on the feet, but he does have a background in wrestling, unlike Olivera or Dustin.