MMA News

Tag: Islam Makhachev

  • Ilia Topuria Issues First Words After UFC 317 Main Event Announcement: ‘My Apologies In Advance’

    Ilia Topuria Issues First Words After UFC 317 Main Event Announcement: ‘My Apologies In Advance’

    Ilia Topuria is brimming with confidence ahead of his permanent move to the UFC lightweight division.

    Topuria willingly vacated his UFC featherweight title in February, setting his sights on an immediate superfight with reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in pursuit of two-division glory.

    However, Makhachev’s team remained largely dismissive of the idea of facing the undefeated Spaniard, prompting the UFC to pivot and pursue alternative paths. On Tuesday, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that the Dagestani has officially relinquished the 155-pound crown as he eyes a potential clash with newly minted welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena.

    As a result, “El Matador” will now face former champion Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title in the UFC 317 main event, set for June 28 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas during International Fight Week.

    Ilia Topuria Throws Shade At Charles Oliveira And Islam Makhachev

    After the announcement of his UFC 317 showdown, Ilia Topuria took to social media, confidently declaring that he would defeat Charles Oliveira and fulfill his dream of becoming a two-division champion. In his post, “El Matador” also threw a sly jab at Islam Makhachev, suggesting the Dagestani vacated the lightweight division out of fear of facing him.

    “On June 28, another dream will come true. I’ll be the champion of the lightweight division. Charles, my apologies in advance… I’m just fighting for my dreams. It’s unfortunate that Makhachev ran away. 17-0,” Ilia Topuria wrote on X.

    Topuria claimed the 145-pound title with a knockout victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February 2024. He then solidified his reign with a dominant knockout win over Max Holloway at UFC 308 in October, successfully defending his belt.

    “El Matador” boasts an unbeaten 8-0 record in the UFC and an impressive 16-0 overall, with eight of those victories coming by knockout and six by submission.

    UFC 317
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XOsAPgWVCE
  • Arman Tsarukyan Defeats Team Khabib Fighter, Eyes Islam Makhachev Next

    Arman Tsarukyan Defeats Team Khabib Fighter, Eyes Islam Makhachev Next

    Arman Tsarukyan recently returned to competition after a year-long absence—but not inside the UFC Octagon.

    On Friday night, Tsarukyan stepped into the grappling pit for a 175-pound showdown with Dagestani wrestler Makasharip Zaynukov at Karate Combat 54 in Dubai. “Ahalkalakets” opened aggressively with a single-leg attempt in the corner, but Zaynukov defended well.

    The rest of the bout featured limited grappling success from both fighters, with neither securing a clear takedown across two closely contested five-minute rounds. However, the UFC lightweight contender’s activity and control earned him a unanimous decision from all three judges, making a third round unnecessary.

    In his post-fight interview, Tsarukyan reflected on his performance and explained his motivation for entering the grappling match.

    “It feels great,” Arman Tsarukyan said. “I haven’t fought in one year, so that’s why I came and wrestled today. My opponent is a very tough guy. No one knows him a lot because he fights in Russia, but he’s from a very strong team. He didn’t want to wrestle too much. I like offense, and he was trying to escape from me for 10 minutes.”

    Tsarukyan’s last UFC appearance came at UFC 300 in April 2024, where he secured a hard-fought split decision victory over former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in a title eliminator. “Ahalkalakets” was then slated to challenge reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 in January, but was forced to withdraw just hours before weigh-ins due to health issues.

    The 28-year-old Armenian has expressed his desire to reschedule a rematch with Makhachev as his next fight.

    “Can’t wait for next one. I need one more guy from Khabib’s team [Makhachev]. Let’s do this again.”

    Tsarukyan first faced Makhachev at a UFC Fight Night event in April 2019, where he delivered a gritty performance in his Octagon debut. Despite his resilience, he was ultimately outclassed and lost to the Dagestani by unanimous decision.

    Currently riding a four-fight win streak, Tsarukyan holds a 9-2 record in the UFC, with four of those victories coming by knockout.

  • Ian Garry Gives Honest Take On Islam Makhachev’s Possible Welterweight Arrival

    Ian Garry Gives Honest Take On Islam Makhachev’s Possible Welterweight Arrival

    UFC welterweight contender Ian Garry expects more domination for Islam Makhachev should he commit to a move up to 170 pounds.

    Garry currently has his focus on the charging Carlos Prates, whom he’ll share the cage with in the main event of this weekend’s UFC Fight Night in Kansas City.

    Soon enough, though, the Irishman may have a champion from below to worry about.

    As talk of a showdown between Makhachev and Ilia Topuria continues to grow, reports have suggested that the lightweight kingpin is awaiting the result of Belal Muhammad’s title defense against Jack Della Maddalena before deciding whether to remain at 155 pounds or pursue two-division glory up at welterweight.

    And should the latter come to fruition, Garry sees trouble in the future of the 170-pound roster.

    “I think he’s an absolute disaster for everyone in the (welterweight) division if he comes up and doesn’t have to cut weight,” Garry said during a recent interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri. “I would love to test myself against him.”

  • Ilia Topuria To Fight For Lightweight Title At UFC 317, With Or Without Islam Makhachev

    Ilia Topuria To Fight For Lightweight Title At UFC 317, With Or Without Islam Makhachev

    It would seem that former UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has gotten his wish for an immediate shot at adding lightweight gold to his trophy collection.

    Topuria has set his sights on achieving two-division glory after choosing to vacate the 145-pound title this year following just one defense. “La Leyenda” went 2-0 in 2024, dethroning Alexander Volkanovski before becoming the first to knock out Max Holloway.

    Due to an apparent struggle to make the weight limit, the Spaniard will move forward as a 155-pounder. And given his success below, Topuria has been expecting a showdown with Islam Makhachev straight away.

    Whether that’s the matchup or not remains to be seen, but a report from Spanish journalist Álvaro Colmenero does place Topuria as one half of the next lightweight title fight.

    According to Colmenero, the ex-featherweight kingpin will compete either against Makhachev or for a vacant belt at UFC 317 during International Fight Week this June.

    Previous speculation has suggested that Makhachev is awaiting the result of the UFC 315 headliner between his frequent training partner Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena before deciding on a possible move up to welterweight.

  • Ilia Topuria Will ‘Sit’ And Wait For Islam Makhachev Title Fight

    Ilia Topuria Will ‘Sit’ And Wait For Islam Makhachev Title Fight

    Ilia Topuria is sticking to his guns.

    Topuria is set to embark on a new pursuit of gold this year after choosing to vacate the featherweight title after just one defense.

    While a rematch with the man from whom he took the gold last February, Alexander Volkanovski, was expected to await him following a knockout of Max Holloway, a desire to bid farewell to the grueling weight cut has resulted in Topuria committing to a permanent move up.

    By all accounts, the Spaniard is hoping to immediately challenge the lightweight reign of Islam Makhachev. But recent speculation has suggested the Dagestani is looking to have “El Matador” fight a contender first.

    During a recent appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, Topuria responded to that suggestion, insisting that he’ll only settle for an immediate title fight later this year.

    “I don’t care if Islam decides he doesn’t want to fight me. I’ll sit until you’re gonna have to fight me,” Ilia Topuria said. “I’m here. You can’t keep avoiding me.”

  • Islam Makhachev’s Coach Says Paddy Pimblett ‘Worthy’ Of Next UFC Lightweight Title Shot

    Islam Makhachev’s Coach Says Paddy Pimblett ‘Worthy’ Of Next UFC Lightweight Title Shot

    Should the UFC grant Paddy Pimblett a surprise title shot following his latest triumph, the coach of champion Islam Makhachev would seemingly be supportive of the decision.

    Pimblett continued to build momentum in his quest to reach the mountaintop on MMA’s biggest stage, decimating Michael Chandler in the co-main event of Saturday’s UFC 314 pay-per-view.

    “The Baddy” exited Miami’s Kaseya Center with his undefeated promotional record intact, and he’s since risen to #8 in the official lightweight rankings.

    While that’s left plenty of prominent names still ahead of him in the pecking order, the Scouser has been touted for a potential shot at gold next.

    During the latest episode of his podcast, the Javier & Mo Show, coach Javier Mendez was asked about the prospect of Makhachev defending his belt against Pimblett sooner rather than later.

    “Paddy’s ready to face anybody,” Mendez said. “What he’s done already, his credentials, his winning record in the UFC — and his hype, what he can do, how he can motivate people — if they give him the next title shot, he deserves it. … Is he worthy? Yes. He’s very interesting, and he’s got all of England behind him. … I’m a fan.”

  • Islam Makhachev Reacts To Former Opponent Alexander Volkanovski’s UFC 314 Title Win

    UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev was a keen observer as two-time opponent Alexander Volkanovski returned to winning ways.

    Many had already deemed Volkanovski’s days as a champ and top competitor on MMA’s biggest stage to have been over following consecutive knockout losses to Makhachev and Ilia Topuria.

    But in the main event of Saturday’s UFC 314 pay-per-view in Miami, “Alexander the Great” proved his detractors wrong with a vintage display to get the better of Diego Lopes and capture the vacant 145-pound gold.

    Volkanovski has been getting plenty of plaudits in the aftermath of his first win since mid-2023, and among the most prominent to lay praise on the Australian was the lightweight king.

    “Congrats @alexvolkanovski great comeback! Real champ in sport and life,” Makhachev wrote on X.

    Prior to knocking the newly crowned two-time featherweight champ out in their short-notice rematch, Makhachev narrowly emerged victorious from a memorable five-round battle with the Aussie veteran in Perth.

  • Ben Askren: Islam Makhachev Should Be Stripped Of UFC Title If He Refuses Ilia Topuria Fight

    Ben Askren: Islam Makhachev Should Be Stripped Of UFC Title If He Refuses Ilia Topuria Fight

    Ben Askren is pushing for decisive action against UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev should he refuse a fight with Ilia Topuria.

    The controversy stems from Topuria’s take that the UFC guaranteed him an immediate lightweight title opportunity after relinquishing his featherweight belt. 

    Makhachev and his team are now challenging this claim, insisting that Topuria must first prove his worth by defeating a top-ranked contender before they can fight. This disagreement has cast doubt on the potential matchup.

    Askren’s stance is clear: the UFC should compel Makhachev to face Topuria if they made a promise to the newly crowned featherweight champion. He believes that ignoring Topuria’s claim would set a detrimental precedent, undermining the UFC’s credibility and discouraging future champions from making similar moves. 

    “I think Dana (White) should just do Dana stuff and just say, ‘Hey, Islam, if you don’t want to fight, you’re stripped,’” Askren said on his Funky and the Champ show with Daniel Cormier. “He’s done that. That is in Dana’s repertoire. If you’re the champion, you’re supposed to defend the belt against the best person, right? So Ilia has beaten two legends in a row.

    “Not only beat them but finished them at 145 pounds: Volkanovski and Holloway. Very, very clearly the best, choosing to go up. … Given Arman was supposed to have the title shot, and he pulled out on super-late notice so they want to make him fight someone else first. So, that makes perfect sense for Ilia to pop in given the fact that he’s a champion, he’s undefeated, has defeated two legends in a row. I don’t see how you deny him the title shot.”

  • Daniel Cormier Tells Islam Makhachev Who He Should Push For As Next UFC Opponent

    Daniel Cormier Tells Islam Makhachev Who He Should Push For As Next UFC Opponent

    Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier is confident he knows who will be placed opposite lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev next time out.

    Makhachev is awaiting his second matchup of 2025, having retained possession of the 155-pound gold courtesy of a submission victory over Renato Moicano at UFC 311 this past January.

    Because of Arman Tsarukyan’s weight miss prior to that event, resulting in Moicano’s late-notice opportunity, the Armenian is seemingly out of the running.

    That’s left featherweight champ Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira as two leading candidates. But while both have pushed for the shot publicly, “DC” thinks it will go to another high-profile name.

    During the latest episode of his Funky and the Champ podcast alongside Ben Askren, Cormier predicted that ex-interim titleholder Justin Gaethje will get the shot on the strength of his recent victory over Rafael Fiziev.

    “I honestly believe that’s who is going to fight for the belt. I believe it’s going to be Gaethje,” Cormier said. “If I’m team Makhachev, I’m asking for Justin Gaethje because that’s a big-name fight. It’s the guy that carries a lot of name recognition. I think that’s going to be the fight if I’m being honest with you.”

    Gaethje, 36, has previously fallen short of the undisputed crown on two occasions. He was submitted by both Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira.

  • Alexander Volkanovski: Islam Makhachev Is The Only Person Who Can Match Me

    Alexander Volkanovski, despite recent setbacks, maintains unwavering confidence in his ability to dominate any five-round UFC contest.

    Islam Makhachev broke his nearly decade-long undefeated streak at UFC 284, a closely contested bout where Volkanovski’s attempt to secure dual-champion status fell just short. 

    He rebounded with a successful featherweight title defense against Yair Rodriguez, but subsequent losses to Makhachev in a rematch and Ilia Topuria have challenged his previously dominant run.

    However, Volkanovski attributes his knockout losses to being caught off guard, rather than being outmatched in a sustained fight. He believes his skill set allows him to compete on equal footing with any UFC fighter for five rounds, with a possible exception for Makhachev.

    This belief in his endurance and overall fighting prowess remains a cornerstone of his mindset as he looks to rebound from his recent defeats.

    Volkanovski’s assertion highlights his belief in his cardio and fight IQ. He feels that when he is able to get into a long fight, he will be able to outlast his opponents. He has stated that his losses where due to him getting caught, and not due to him being outclassed.

    “I don’t believe anyone can beat me,” Volkanovski told Fox Sports Australia. “The only person that I can see giving me a tough fight for five rounds is an Islam Makhachev in the first one, as you’ve seen. Everyone else has just got a puncher’s chance. That’s just how I always look at it. I truly believe that, and that’s the confidence I have in myself. No one can beat me.”

    Following Topuria’s decision to vacate the featherweight championship, Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes are set to clash for the now-vacant title. This highly anticipated main event will headline UFC 314, taking place on April 12th at the Kaseya Center in Miami.

    “They can catch me, so I think he needs to be reckless to beat me,” Volkanovski said. “If he tries to fight this perfect fight, it’s not going to work. He needs to try and be reckless and catch me. That’s his best chance, so he’s going to do what we all know he’s going to do and what he’s been doing, which is exciting for the fans, but it opens a lot of doors for me. … (There’s) a lot I can capitalize and that I will capitalize on.”

  • Michael Chandler Targeting Islam Makhachev In June After ‘Starching’ Pimblett At UFC 314

    UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler expects his performance in Miami next month to be so impressive that it nets him another shot at the division’s title soon after.

    After a second loss to Charles Oliveira left him 2-4 under the UFC banner, 2025 will mark a crucial year for Chandler and his ongoing championship ambitions on MMA’s biggest stage.

    His chance to return to winning ways comes on April 12, when he co-headlines the UFC 314 pay-per-view inside the Kaseya Center opposite rising Liverpudlian Paddy Pimblett.

    And more than just defending his #7 ranking in the fight, “Iron” is looking to stake his claim for a showdown with the lightweight king.

    During a recent interview with Covers.com, Michael Chandler suggested it’s not far-fetched that an emphatic display opposite Pimblett next month could see him quickly placed opposite Makhachev for a summer showdown.

    “There’s a world in which I go out there and emphatically starch Paddy Pimblett. And it’s the ‘what have you done for me lately business’,” Chandler said. “And all of a sudden, Islam wants to fight me and not someone else, and I fight him in June. Who knows? But with that being said, all of those names are on the table. Conor’s name was talked about. If Conor comes back this year I’m fighting him.

    “I am open to fighting Islam in June. The way this fight plays out, I think I’ll have less than a 60 day suspension, maybe a 30 day suspension, and I could fight again in June because the fight would be June 29, I believe it is,” Chandler continued. “So that’s like, 10 weeks later, so I could jump right back into a training camp and fight for the world title.”

    Makhachev is currently coming off his third defense of the lightweight crown, having submitted late-notice replacement opponent Renato Moicano at UFC 311 this past January.

    With Arman Tsarukyan’s withdrawal from that event costing him a title shot and talk of the Dagestani wanting Ilia Topuria to fight a contender before earning an opportunity at two-division glory, perhaps the door could be open for Chandler to make an impression.

  • Former Foe Endorses Ilia Topuria’s Immediate Shot At LW Title: ‘He Sort Of Deserves It’

    Former Foe Endorses Ilia Topuria’s Immediate Shot At LW Title: ‘He Sort Of Deserves It’

    A former opponent of Ilia Topuria’s believes ‘El Matador’ has proven himself worthy and has rightfully earned an immediate shot at the UFC lightweight title.

    Last month, Topuria gave up his UFC featherweight championship to chase 155-pound gold and potentially secure his place as the promotion’s 10th two-division titleholder. Consequently, former champion Alexander Volkanovski is set to face the fast-rising Diego Lopes for the vacant 145-pound title at UFC 314 on April 12.

    UFC CEO Dana White previously mentioned that Ilia Topuria’s decision to move up a weight class was driven by his belief that he had already accomplished enough in the featherweight division, along with the increasing difficulty of making the weight limit.

    While the undefeated Spaniard has made it clear that he’s eager to face reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, it’s still uncertain whether he’ll be granted an instant title shot.

    Rumors are also circulating that the Dagestani champion is unwilling to defend his belt until Topuria first proves himself in a title eliminator matchup against a top contender. However, Volkanovski is confident that “El Matador” has earned the opportunity to face Makhachev.

    During a recent appearance on the Believe You Me podcast, ‘The Great’ voiced his support for Ilia Topuria’s shot at the 155-pound title, commending his former foe for not clinging to his featherweight title or chasing simultaneous championships across two divisions.

    “Put it this way, if he was trying to hang on to both belts, I don’t think that was going to happen,” Volkanovski said. “The fact that he’s vacated and the lightweight division’s in a position where, I don’t know, there’s no real clear No. 1, I think it’s fair. The fact that he vacated, I think that that’s fair.

    “If he wanted to hang on and do the double champ thing, I think he needed to do more work, but the fact that he’s like, ‘Look, I’m going to let this one go. Let that division move on. I want to commit to lightweight. I think that’s big. I think that’s fair, so I think he sort of deserves it.”

    Topuria secured the 145-pound title for the first time at UFC 298 in February 2024, delivering a stunning knockout of Volkanovski. He successfully defended his belt at UFC 308 in October, securing another knockout, this time against Max Holloway.

  • Arman Tsarukyan Breaks Down ’50-50′ Makhachev vs. Topuria Fight

    Arman Tsarukyan Breaks Down ’50-50′ Makhachev vs. Topuria Fight

    The lightweight division is buzzing with excitement as Islam Makhachev holds the championship, with several contenders eager for a title shot. Amid this competitive landscape, Arman Tsarukyan has shared his thoughts on a potential showdown between Makhachev and former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria.

    Tsarukyan, who was originally slated to challenge Makhachev at UFC 311 before a back injury forced him out, brings a unique perspective to the discussion. Weighing in on the potential matchup, he sees it as a close contest, acknowledging Topuria’s striking prowess while questioning his ability to withstand Makhachev’s relentless grappling.

    “It’s a tough fight,” Arman Tsarukyan told The Schmo. “Ilia, he is a better striker; good boxing. I don’t know—like, he’s never fought with guys who can wrestle very well like Islam, so we will see. It is a 50-50 fight.”

    The intrigue of this matchup lies in the stylistic clash between Topuria’s striking power and Makhachev’s elite grappling. While Topuria’s boxing has been a dominant weapon, Makhachev’s wrestling follows the well-established blueprint of Khabib Nurmagomedov. Having faced Makhachev himself, Tsarukyan offers valuable insight into the champion’s approach, making his analysis all the more compelling.

  • Justin Gaethje Demands Title Shot From Dana White After UFC 313

    Justin Gaethje Demands Title Shot From Dana White After UFC 313

    Justin Gaethje is campaigning for what could be his final shot at the undisputed UFC lightweight title.

    After nearly a year away from the Octagon, Gaethje made his highly anticipated return last Saturday, accepting a short-notice rematch against Rafael Fiziev in the UFC 313 co-main event. He battled through adversity to earn a unanimous decision victory over “Ataman.”

    Back in the win column, “The Highlight” rebounded from his heartbreaking last-second knockout loss to Max Holloway for the BMF title at UFC 300 in April. The former interim UFC 155-pound champion confidently maintained that defeating Fiziev could put him right back in the title conversation.

    On Tuesday, Gaethje took to social media to make his case for a third crack at the undisputed gold, urging UFC CEO Dana White to grant him the opportunity. He argued that his setback to “Blessed” shouldn’t stand in the way of his championship ambitions.

    “I won 3 out of my last 4, only losing in an exhibition fight. I have to fight for the belt. @danawhite I am ready,” Justin Gaethje wrote.

    The 36-year-old Arizona native has come up short in two previous title bids, falling to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 in October 2020 and Charles Oliveira at UFC 274 in May 2022. Undeterred, Justin Gaethje has long set his sights on a showdown with reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

    Interestingly, at the UFC 313 post-fight press conference, White subtly signaled his approval of “The Highlight” jumping ahead of Arman Tsarukyan and Oliveira in the race for a potential clash with Makhachev.

  • Magomed Ankalaev Surpasses Makhachev, Dvalishvili For UFC Social Media Record In 2025

    Magomed Ankalaev Surpasses Makhachev, Dvalishvili For UFC Social Media Record In 2025

    Magomed Ankalaev outshined several reigning UFC champions in a key statistic following his latest Octagon appearance.

    Ankalaev realized his lifelong dream of becoming a UFC titleholder this past Saturday, toppling long-reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira with a unanimous decision victory in the UFC 313 main event.

    The Dagestani stepped into the fight with a calculated game plan, but despite his high-level wrestling credentials, he failed to take Pereira down. Instead, he maintained steady aggression and strategically timed his strikes, ultimately convincing the judges to rule in his favor.

    Despite widespread criticism of his fighting style as “boring,” Ankalaev’s social media popularity skyrocketed, gaining massive traction across platforms.

    Recently, a sharp-eyed MMA fan on X compiled snippets from the UFC’s Instagram, showcasing every champion having their belt wrapped around their waist after the first three pay-per-views of the year. To many fans’ surprise, Magomed Ankalaev topped the list with a staggering 26.8 million views.

    Trailing behind him was reigning lightweight champ Islam Makhachev, who racked up 19.1 million views, followed by bantamweight king Merab Dvalishvili with 17 million. Middleweight titleholder Dricus Du Plessis secured 11.8 million, while strawweight queen Zhang Weili rounded out the list with 4.3 million views.

    At the time of writing, the video capturing Ankalaev’s crowning moment has amassed over 46.2 million views and garnered an impressive 1.4 million likes.

    Ankalaev previously vied for the 205-pound title at UFC 282 in December 2022, facing Jan Błachowicz. After an intense back-and-forth battle, the contest ended in a draw.

    With his win at UFC 313, the 32-year-old Russian extended his unbeaten streak to 14 fights. Remarkably, the only blemish on his professional record dates back to March 2018, when he fell to Paul Craig via submission in the final seconds of their bout.

  • Ilia Topuria Teases Huge Announcement Fans ‘Won’t Believe’

    Ilia Topuria Teases Huge Announcement Fans ‘Won’t Believe’

    Ilia Topuria appears to have secured a high-profile showdown for his next Octagon outing.

    Last month, Topuria shocked the MMA world by vacating his UFC featherweight title, opting to test himself in the lightweight division in pursuit of becoming a two-division champion.

    As a result, former champion Alexander Volkanovski is set to face Diego Lopes for the vacant title in the UFC 314 main event on April 12 at Miami’s Kaseya Center.

    UFC CEO Dana White announced that “El Matador” opted to compete in a higher weight class, believing he had already dominated the featherweight division while also facing the relentless challenge of cutting down to 145 pounds.

    Despite Topuria’s persistent desire to challenge reigning UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev, his first opponent in the division has yet to be revealed. However, the undefeated Spaniard publicly addressed his fans on Thursday for the first time since vacating his championship and teased that he has an announcement in the works, one he believes will leave his fans utterly amazed.

    “When we announce it, you won’t believe it. Get ready,” Ilia Topuria wrote on X.

    “El Matador” was last seen in action at UFC 308 last October, where he made history as the first fighter to ever knock out Max Holloway, successfully defending his featherweight title in the process. Prior to that, he knocked out Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February 2024 to capture the championship.

    Ilia Topuria currently sports an unblemished 8-0 record in the UFC and an overall perfect 16-0 mark, including six knockout victories and eight submission triumphs.

  • Former Opponent Says Ilia Topuria Enters ‘GOAT Conversation’ With Win Over Islam Makhachev

    Former Opponent Says Ilia Topuria Enters ‘GOAT Conversation’ With Win Over Islam Makhachev

    Ilia Topuria’s former opponent believes that if the stars align perfectly in his favor, “El Matador” has the potential to enter the greatest of all time (GOAT) discussion.

    Last week, Topuria took a daring leap, vacating his UFC featherweight title to chase greatness in the lightweight division, with hopes of etching his name in history as a two-division champion.

    UFC CEO Dana White revealed that the undefeated Spaniard chose to move up in weight, convinced that he had already conquered the featherweight division while also struggling with the ever-demanding cut to 145 pounds.

    Though Topuria has long voiced his desire to challenge reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, there is currently no official word on who his first opponent in the division will be.

    However, Youssef Zalal, who suffered defeat against “El Matador” in their clash back in October 2020, believes that a showdown between Makhachev and Topuria is the fight to make — one in which he sees his former opponent having a real shot at victory.

    “I’m gonna go with Ilia. I think I’ll stick with Ilia on this one,” Zalal said in a recent interview with Sportskeeda MMA.

    “The Moroccan Devil” further suggested that if Ilia Topuria strategically utilizes his wrestling skills and somehow dethrones UFC’s pound-for-pound No. 1, Makhachev, he could carve out a legacy among the sport’s all-time greats.

    “You beat Islam, you’re in the greatest (of all time) conversation. Like, you’re one of the [fighters in the] GOAT conversation. So to go do that…and I’m telling you, man, I feel like they’re sleeping on his wrestling and I think his attribute is that, obviously, his gas tank, they can say this and that, but also Islam’s gas tank is a little bit this and that. But man, [beating] Islam, bro…for me, that’s the greatest of all time.”

    Topuria remains undefeated in his professional career, boasting a flawless 8-0 record in the UFC. He claimed the featherweight title with a dominant finish over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 before solidifying his reign with another statement-making knockout against Max Holloway at UFC 308 last year.

  • Dustin Poirier Backs Ilia Topuria For ‘Right Off The Bat’ Title Shot Against Islam Makhachev

    Dustin Poirier Backs Ilia Topuria For ‘Right Off The Bat’ Title Shot Against Islam Makhachev

    Dustin Poirier is all in on the idea of Ilia Topuria stepping straight into a title fight against reigning UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev.

    Last week, UFC CEO Dana White announced that Topuria is vacating the featherweight title to pursue greatness in the lightweight division, aiming to cement his legacy as a two-division UFC champion.

    As a result, former champion Alexander Volkanovski is set to clash with Diego Lopes for the vacant 145-pound title in the main event of UFC 314 this April.

    According to White, “El Matador” opted to move up a weight class, believing he had already accomplished enough at featherweight while also facing an increasingly grueling cut to the 145-pound limit.

    During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Poirier spoke highly of Topuria’s bold decision to relinquish his UFC featherweight championship.

    “I mean, it’s respectful,” Poirier said. “It’s honorable to vacate the belt, to not hold up the division where guys have been working so hard to get their shot at the title. He’s doing it the right way. I’ve never seen him in person, but everybody says he’s heavy, that he walks around heavy, but if he can make 145, I don’t know how big he is because some of these lightweights are huge.”

    Following White’s announcement regarding Topuria, there has been plenty of discussion among MMA fans and analysts about whether the undefeated Spaniard should receive a fast-tracked title shot against Makhachev.

    While some support the idea, others — including Makhachev’s manager, Rizvan Magomedov — believe he should first face top contenders like Poirier, Charles Oliveira, or Justin Gaethje to earn his shot at the belt.

    However, “The Diamond” sees no need for Topuria to prove himself further, arguing that his knockout victory over current BMF champion Max Holloway speaks for itself.

    “That’s tough to say, especially with all of the contenders, with how the lightweight division’s been over the last few years. But with a guy like him, vacating the belt and moving up, finishing Max Holloway the way that he did, I would give him a crack at the lightweight title right off the bat.”

    “El Matador” boasts a flawless 16-0 professional record, with eight wins by submission and six by knockout. He claimed the 145-pound title in dominant fashion, finishing Volkanovski at UFC 298, before successfully defending it with another knockout victory over Holloway at UFC 308 last year.

  • Dustin Poirier Doesn’t Like Ilia Topuria Or Islam Makhachev’s Chances In Higher Weight Classes

    Dustin Poirier Doesn’t Like Ilia Topuria Or Islam Makhachev’s Chances In Higher Weight Classes

    While Dustin Poirier awaits news on what is expected to be his final fight, he remains an active observer of the lightweight division and its potential shake-ups.

    Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, has hinted at pursuing a second title, though his next move remains uncertain. While a jump to welterweight would seem logical, Makhachev has expressed hesitation due to his friendship and training relationship with current 170-pound kingpin Belal Muhammad. Instead, he has suggested that a move to middleweight could be more likely.

    Poirier, however, questions whether that would be a viable option.

    “I think he would do really well at 170 [pounds],” Poirier told Helen Yee. “185, the guys are just too big. Islam’s a big guy. He can fight 170 for sure. He could become the champion at 170, I believe, but 185’s pushing it, I think.”

    While Makhachev considers moving up in weight, former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has officially vacated his title to compete at 155 pounds.

    After scoring impressive knockout victories over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway in 2024, Topuria immediately set his sights on a title fight against Makhachev. However, Makhachev has largely dismissed this challenge, citing his two wins over Volkanovski and a preference for opponents who would add more to his legacy.

    Poirier didn’t directly address Makhachev’s stance but seemed to agree that Topuria’s immediate pursuit of the lightweight title might not end well.

    “If he can stop the takedowns, his boxing’s better than Islam’s,” Poirier said of Topuria. “He’s a bigger puncher. Islam’s technique is getting a lot better on the feet. He’s kind of crafty and elusive. When I fought him, he fought at a weird range. The size difference is just too much [for Topuria], I believe.”

    With both Makhachev and Topuria considering career-altering moves, the lightweight division remains one of the most intriguing in the UFC, and Poirier, even as he nears the end of his career, continues to provide insightful takes on its evolving landscape.

  • Islam Makhachev’s Manager: Ilia Topuria Needs To Prove He’s A Legit Lightweight Before Title Shot

    Islam Makhachev’s Manager: Ilia Topuria Needs To Prove He’s A Legit Lightweight Before Title Shot

    Islam Makhachev’s manager believes Ilia Topuria should prove himself in the lightweight division before earning a title shot.

    Topuria recently vacated his UFC featherweight title to move up to 155 pounds, aiming to challenge for the lightweight championship. However, Makhachev, who has already defended his belt four times, including two wins over former featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski, has previously expressed reluctance to face another former 145-pounder.

    And his manager, Rizvan Magomedov, evidently shares that belief. 

    The Dagestani’s most recent title defense was a quick submission win over Renato Moicano at UFC 311. The fight came about after Arman Tsarukyan withdrew due to injury. Despite this, UFC CEO Dana White has ruled out Tsarukyan for the next title shot, leaving the lightweight title picture up in the air.

    Meanwhile, Topuria has had only one previous fight at lightweight, scoring a knockout win over Jai Herbert in 2022, before returning to featherweight, where he eventually won the title. His recent dominance at 145 pounds included consecutive knockout victories over former champions Volkanovski and Max Holloway.

    While Topuria is a rising star, Magomedov believes he needs to face and defeat a top lightweight contender before being granted a title fight against Makhachev.

    “Topuria vs. Dustin/Charles contender fight, to prove he’s a legit lightweight. So we don’t have to defeat another ‘small featherweight,’” Magomedov stated. “We need big fights that make sense for everyone. We already gave chances to a featherweight champ that was reigning for a long time.”

    For now, Makhachev and his team are waiting to see how the division unfolds before making their next move.

  • Justin Gaethje: Islam Makhachev Is A Better Matchup For Me Than Khabib Nurmagomedov

    Justin Gaethje has his sights set on another shot at the UFC lightweight championship and hopes the opportunity comes against current titleholder Islam Makhachev.

    Before he can earn that chance, Gaethje must first get past Dan Hooker in their five-round co-main event at UFC 313 on March 8 in Las Vegas. The fight is a pivotal moment for “The Highlight,” as it represents a chance to solidify himself once again as a top contender in the division.

    The former interim lightweight champ has come close to claiming true UFC gold twice but fell short on both occasions, suffering submission losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 and Charles Oliveira at UFC 274.

    Despite these setbacks, his hunger to climb back to the top remains strong.

    “I want to fight Makhachev. He is the champ, and I do believe that he is a better matchup for me than Khabib,” Gaethje said during a Q&A on his YouTube channel. “But he’s good.”

    While Gaethje is one of the few fighters to have won a round against Nurmagomedov, he doesn’t believe he could have ultimately beaten that version of “The Eagle.”

    “I think Khabib was probably the one that I felt even if I performed better, I’m not sure that if I could’ve beaten him that night specifically,” Gaethje admitted. “That night that I fought Khabib, I would say he is my toughest opponent to date.”

    With a high-stakes matchup against Hooker ahead, Gaethje remains focused on securing another shot at the title — this time against Makhachev, a challenge he believes he is better suited for than his past title fights.

  • Ilia Topuria Says Dagestani MMA Fighters Lose ‘Every Competitive Fight’ Amid Talk Of Islam Makhachev Clash

    Ilia Topuria Says Dagestani MMA Fighters Lose ‘Every Competitive Fight’ Amid Talk Of Islam Makhachev Clash

    UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria continues to fan the flames of a potential rivalry with lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev.

    Considerable uncertainty surrounds Topuria’s next assignment. While the likes of Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes target his 145-pound gold, the Spaniard has made clear his goal of pursuing two-division glory.

    With that, talk of a clash with Makhachev continues to float around the mixed martial arts community and both men have frequently addressed it during interviews.

    During a recent appearance on the Full Send Podcast, Topuria no doubt added further heat to the back and forth by taking aim at Makhachev and his fellow Dagestani fighters.

    According to “El Matador,” fighters from the region flounder if they can’t establish their dominance early on in fights.

    “None of them have special cardio and stamina. The way they do it, if you fight any of them, the thing they need when they go inside the Octagon, in the first contact, they want to feel like they’ve dominated you,” Topuria said. “They start to build their confidence off that. It’s like, ‘I can dominate you, maybe you escape, and we strike again, but I feel like I’m stronger than you.’

    “If they feel like in the first contact in the first round that they can’t control you and it’s very competitive, then their head goes down.,” Topuria continued. “This is what they try to do, to beat you in the early rounds, that they can dominate you, that they are stronger than you. But when they realize that it’s not like that, most of the time, they lose those kinds of fights. All of the competitive fights they lose — all of them.”

    While some might suggest that Umar Nurmagomedov’s five-round defeat to Merab Dvalishvili last month supports Topuria’s hypothesis, the bantamweight contender’s brother found a different outcome in his January outing. Usman Nurmagomedov got the better of Irish challenger Paul Hughes in their competitive main event title fight at PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai.

    It remains to be seen whether Topuria will get the chance to prove his remarks right against Makhachev this year or be made to defend his featherweight belt for a second time.

  • Dustin Poirier On Ilia Topuria’s Lightweight Hopes: ‘I Think Islam Is Too Much, But…’

    Dustin Poirier On Ilia Topuria’s Lightweight Hopes: ‘I Think Islam Is Too Much, But…’

    Dustin Poirier is intrigued by a potential showdown between UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria and lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev.

    The 145-pound titleholder has expressed interest in moving up to challenge Makhachev, who is currently ranked as the UFC’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter.

    Poirier is torn on who he believes would win the fight. “The Diamond,” coming off a fifth-round submission loss to Makhachev at UFC 302, questions whether the Spaniard has the necessary size to counter the Dagestani’s grappling.

    “He definitely does have a shot,” Poirier told Sports Illustrated regarding Topuria vs. Makhachev. “I think from ’45 to 170, Topuria has the power and the skills to knock anybody out. His timing, his rhythm, his power is incredible, but the size difference is with Islam’s wrestling.

    “I’ve never seen Topuria in person. Obviously, I fought Islam; he’s a big guy. Islam can’t make ’45. I know they say Topuria might walk around 190 (pounds) outside of fights and stuff, but I just think Islam is just too much. But I don’t know. Like I said, if Ilia does connect, he can put anybody out.”

    Topuria’s most recent victory was a knockout of Max Holloway at UFC 308, which saw him successfully defend the featherweight title.

    Meanwhile, Makhachev is fresh off a swift submission win over Renato Moicano at UFC 311. This victory marked his fourth successful title defense, setting a new record for the most in UFC lightweight history.

  • Paddy Pimblett Has A Problem With Ilia Topuria’s Champ-Champ Talk: ‘He Is Not McGregor!’

    Paddy Pimblett Has A Problem With Ilia Topuria’s Champ-Champ Talk: ‘He Is Not McGregor!’

    Paddy Pimblett has downplayed Ilia Topuria’s chances of challenging Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title.

    Topuria, the reigning featherweight champion, has expressed interest in moving up to 155 pounds after defending his title against Max Holloway last time out.

    Assessing the situation, Pimblett remarked that despite Topuria’s recent victories over Alexander Volkanovski and Holloway, he doesn’t believe the Spaniard has done enough to earn a shot at Makhachev’s lightweight belt. While “El Matador” has stated he’s open to a rematch with Volkanovski, his preference is to move up and challenge Makhachev.

    “I can’t see Ilia fighting Islam,” Pimblett said on the Blood Red podcast. “He’s only defended the belt once. Normally, you need to defend the belt like three times, and he’s not that big of a star to jump. He’s not (Conor) McGregor to just jump right up and fight for the other belt.

    “So I can’t personally see that happening, but we’ll see what happens. I heard Ilia’s headlining the UFC 314 event against Volk, but you don’t know anything until it’s finalized with the UFC. I have been told this and that the last few weeks, last few months, but we’ll just see what happens.”

    Pimblett and Topuria have a history of animosity, dating back to an altercation in London in March 2022. Their feud escalated further during the UFC 282 pre-fight press conference in December 2022, where security had to intervene due to their heated exchanges.

    As for Pimblett, he is targeting a return to the Octagon at UFC 314, with rumors suggesting a potential matchup against Michael Chandler.

  • Joe Rogan Calls For Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev Next, Says ‘Who Cares’ About Only 1 Title Defense

    Joe Rogan Calls For Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev Next, Says ‘Who Cares’ About Only 1 Title Defense

    UFC color commentator Joe Rogan knows what he wants to see next from featherweight kingpin Ilia Topuria — and it’s not a second dance with Alexander Volkanovski.

    Topuria remains without a date in the calendar for his first fight of 2025, following on from a 2024 in which he dethroned Volkanovski and became the first man to knock out Max Holloway.

    A rematch with “Alexander the Great” was quickly tipped as the Spaniard’s next assignment after he defended the belt against “Blessed” last October. But frequent comments from Topuria and his team regarding a lightweight switch have led to some uncertainty.

    Despite only defending his title once, “El Matador” has made no secret of his desire to challenge Islam Makhachev for two-division glory as soon as possible.

    And for Rogan, there’s no time like the present.

    “As crazy as it sounds, I hope Ilia goes up to (155 pounds). I really do,” Rogan said during his JRE Fight Companion episode for Saturday’s UFC 312 pay-per-view. “Volkanovski-Diego Lopes (at) 145, Ilia goes up to ’55. I don’t care if he only defended the title one time or didn’t, who cares. Let’s go. Let’s f*cking go.

    “It’d be nice [to see him fight some of the other contenders at (featherweight), but also, who cares? Let’s go. Let’s f*cking go,” Rogan added.

    Plenty is evidently left to be decided at 145 pounds, with various reports flying about Topuria vs. Volkanovski 2 and other potential bouts such as Volkanovski against the charging Diego Lopes.

    Makhachev, meanwhile, remains without a next challenger to his throne after top contender Arman Tsarukyan ruled himself out by withdrawing from UFC 311 on 24 hours’ notice.

    The promotion is promising something huge for the Dagestani next time out, though, perhaps boosting Topuria’s chances of securing the matchup.