Ilia Topuria continues to tease Islam Makhachev clash in award speech despite reported rejection

03/18/2025 09:48 AM

Ilia Topuria is continuing to push for a shot at a second world title, despite Islam Makhachev seemingly turning down the fight.

The former featherweight champion relinquished his belt earlier this year, telling Dana White that he could no longer make the 145lb limit. It was presumed that he would immediately move up and face Makhachev for the lightweight belt, but reports from Russia now indicate that is not happening next.

Instead, Makhachev feels that either Arman Tsarukyan or Justin Gaethje are more deserving of a world title fight given their respective histories at lightweight. But Topuria still seems to think that he is about to conquer another division.

• Who is Islam Makhachev?Step inside the life of the pound-for-pound best fighter on the planet

Ilia Topuria teases ‘conquest’ of another UFC division

During a recent appearance at the National Sports Gala held in Valladolid, Ilia Topuria was presented with an award. He took to the stage where he was asked about his move up to lightweight and future plans, including the ‘conquest’ of a new division.

“I’ve changed weight divisions,” he told the crowd at the black tie event. “Now we have the conquest of another division on the horizon.

“First of all it’s an honor to receive this award, thank you Valladolid for receiving me so warmly. It’s truly a pleasure to be here before you. Thank you

Ilia Topuria is giving up vicious weight cuts to move to lightweight

Even if Islam Makhachev doesn’t give him the next shot at lightweight gold, Topuria will be relieved to have simply avoided another cut to featherweight. He defeated two legends in Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway by knockout in his title wins, but it seems his hardest fight was with the scales.

The Georgian-born Spaniard was brought to tears during one gruesome cut that was shown during his documentary ‘Topuria Matador’, which has yet to set a global release date. Despite having previously fought as low as bantamweight, he seemed to find it very hard to hit the championship weight of 145lb.

His team have to remind him that he’s physically going to be okay as Topuria cuts his final piece of weight, and allow him to suck on a lollipop. “My heart is racing,” he says at one point, before being reassured by his trainers.

His brother then twice asks “what’s happening?” Before telling his brother “These are tears of happiness and gratefulness for all the hard work and God’s help.” Topuria then walks out of the room after making weight, but needs to be held up by a coach.

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