Ilia Topuria calls out Islam Makhachev for a 2025 super fight after the Russian champion claimed 'something may happen' on the street
Today at 05:28 AM
Just a few weeks out from his featherweight title defense against Max Holloway at UFC 308, Ilia Topuria has been talking about the potential of a fight against lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev.
Since becoming the UFC featherweight champion earlier this year, Ilia Topuria‘s star power has grown exponentially and he is already talking about the potential of going for a second belt.
The current lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, is out of action until the first quarter of 2025 with a hand injury, with his next title defense likely coming against Arman Tsarukyan.
The feud that is brewing between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev
Despite being just a few weeks out from his first title defense at 145lbs, ‘El Matador’ went live on his Instagram and spoke about the potential of a future fight against the Russian champion.
During the stream, the 27-year-old champion claimed he does see himself fighting Makhachev in the future and would like to fight him because ‘he talks too much’.
The featherweight went on to claim that it would have to be in the Octagon and not on the streets as he would have to pay for Makhachev’s medical bills.
Things then got relatively heated between ‘El Matador’ and members of the Russian’s team as Bellator lightweight champion, Usman Nurmagomedov asked ‘When did you ever fight on the streets, European boy?’
Topuria clapped back at the undefeated lightweight by reminding him of his recently failed drug test.
Topuria calls for 2025 fight against Makhachev following his response
Although Makhachev has steered clear of the ongoing digs, he recently commented on Topuria’s claims by stating ‘something may happen’ in the streets if the feud continues.
“If Topuria keeps acting like that it may finish badly for him. Something may happen. I haven’t seen him cross any lines yet. He needs to focus on his weight class and defend his belt once at least,” the champion told Match TV.
Prior to Belal Muhammad winning the welterweight title back in July, Makhachev openly talked about his desire to eventually move up to 170lbs and challenge for another title, however, now his training partner is champion, his plans may be on hold.
With that, Topuria has called the 32-year-old out for a 2025 super fight, providing he gets through Max Holloway on October 25.
“I don’t need to cross lines but it seems like the kids that hang out with you will try to cross a line they can’t come back from. Let’s leave the kids out of it and settle it like adults inside the Octagon in 2025,” Topuria offered.
