Ilia Topuria is a man on a mission, and this time his goal is bigger than ever. After crushing the featherweight division, ‘El Matador’ has officially set his sights on lightweight gold. The undefeated Spanish-Georgian fighter isn’t one to wait around, and with the division now lacking a clear No. 1 contender, he wasted no time in announcing his intentions. But, rather than a lengthy callout or a well-crafted speech, Ilia Topuria chose to convey his message in the most direct way possible. So, what did he say? Well, he sent out a five-word warning to Islam Makhachev.
You read that right. In just five words, ‘El Matador’ made his challenge to Islam Makhachev clear. Taking to his Instagram, he went to the Dagestani’s post and commented, “I’ll beat ur a– b—h.” Short, simple, and laced with the kind of confidence that has defined his rise. With that single comment, he not only placed the lightweight champion on notice but also sent a warning shot throughout the division. Ilia Topuria has never shied away from making bold claims, and now that he has a vacant featherweight belt in his rearview mirror, he’s making it clear where he’s headed next.
With the comment, the lightweight division has been cautioned that Topuria isn’t coming to take part. He’s coming to take over. In fact, the Spanish-Georgian’s move has the support of none other than Alexander Volkanovski, the man he defeated to win the featherweight championship. Volkanovski, who is now preparing to face Diego Lopes for the vacant title at UFC 314, is entirely supportive of Topuria’s decision to fight for the title right away. On the Believe You Me podcast, the former champion stated why he thinks Topuria deserves the opportunity. “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 letting that division move on and committing to lightweight—I think that’s fair.”
Alexander Volkanovski’s backing says volumes about Ilia Topuria‘s credibility as a contender, given that he once dominated the featherweight division. Now, all eyes are on Islam Makhachev. The Dagestani champion has been waiting for a legitimate contender to emerge, and Ilia Topuria is proving that he is the man for the job. Will Makhachev respond to the call, or will he continue to focus on other names in the division? Well, only time will tell. However, Alexander Volkanovski has already let many fans know how the contest would play out if and when ‘El Matador’ and Islam Makhachev clash.
Volkanovski gives his prediction for Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev clash
Ilia Topuria has made it clear that he is all prepared to face Islam Makhachev, but what are his actual chances? That’s a question that a few people can answer with true insight, and Alexander Volkanovski is definitely one of them. Volkanovski, who has shared the cage with both men, understands what it’s like to face Makhachev’s ruthless grappling and Topuria’s devastating power. So when he speaks about the probable matchup, people pay attention. And, according to the former featherweight champion, ‘El Matador’ should not be counted out just yet.
‘The Great’ recognizes Topuria’s uphill battle but does not count him out completely. “Islam is going to be a hard man to beat for anyone. The only chance of him losing is someone knocking him out,” he said. That is where Topuria comes in. The Spanish-Georgian’s quick boxing and unquestionable knockout power allow him to finish a fight in an instant. Alexander Volkanovski understands this better than anyone since he has personally experienced the force of Topuria’s hands. “If anyone can catch him, I think Ilia’s right up there for a chance.”
That being said, Volkanovski raises a vital question: what happens if the fight continues into the later rounds? Makhachev’s relentless pace and championship experience have previously shattered several records, and Topuria has yet to face an elite grappler in the deep waters. “Maybe if the gas tank goes, we’ll see,” Volkanovski said, implying the difficulty ‘El Matador’ may face if he doesn’t finish early. But make no mistake: Ilia Topuria can shift the course of a contest with a single blow. Now all that remains is to wait and see if this collision of champions becomes a reality. What do you think? Who will win the fight? Let us know in the comments.
The post Ilia Topuria Needs 5 Words to Haunt Islam Makhachev as Threat Resurfaces Amid Alexander Volkanovski’s Backing appeared first on EssentiallySports.
