Ilia Topuria sends brutal message to Islam Makhachev and Khabib: “I’d step on his head too”
Topuria has called out Makhachev for a long-awaited showdown and thrown shade at Khabib in a fierce challenge.
Ilia Topuria has once again made it clear who he wants next. The Spanish-Georgian UFC star has publicly set his sights on Islam Makhachev in what would be one of the most anticipated matchups in the promotion, a clash between two of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.
Speaking on the El Doberdan YouTube channel, Topuria did not hold back as he laid out his desire to face the reigning lightweight champion, a fight he says has been on his mind for years.
“I’ve always wanted that fight”
Topuria, who has recently stepped away from competition after reporting extortion and blackmail threats, reiterated that a bout with Makhachev remains his ultimate goal once he moves up to 155 pounds.
“I’ve always wanted to have that fight with Islam Makhachev. I’ve always been ready,” Topuria said. “When I defend my title at 155 pounds, we’ll see what happens. Everyone knows it’s a fight people want to see, and for some reason, up to now, he hasn’t accepted it.”
Topuria takes aim at Makhachev: “A very, very long sleep”
Topuria also took direct aim at Makhachev, suggesting the Russian has grown comfortable facing a certain type of opponent.
“He talks too much. It’s easy to talk from thousands of miles away, to judge me and criticize me,” Topuria said. “But when you have me in the Octagon, you start to realize I’m not Jack Della Maddalena. I’m not Dan Hooker. I’m not any of those guys you’ve faced before. I’m something very different. And when my right hand lands, you’re going to have a very, very long sleep.”
Nicknamed “El Matador,” Topuria also broke down how he envisions the fight unfolding, and he had a very specific scenario in mind, one that includes former lightweight king Khabib Nurmagomedov watching from cageside.
Khabib “so cocky and arrogant”
“That wrestling he thinks he has, we’ll see how well it works against me,” Topuria said. “With Islam, maybe that’s something fans want to see. Control him on the feet, land three or four clean shots where I need to, and then submit him against the fence right in front of Khabib.”
Topuria saved his sharpest words for Nurmagomedov himself, making it clear he would welcome any involvement from the UFC legend.
“They’re so cocky and arrogant,” Topuria said. “Honestly, I’d love to submit Islam right there in front of him. And if Khabib wants to step in afterward, I’d be happy to step on his head too.”
Whether or not the UFC makes the fight, Topuria has left no doubt. He believes a showdown with Makhachev is inevitable, and he plans to make it unforgettable.
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