- Ilia Topuria is targeting only Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira ahead of his move to lightweight
- The featherweight champion received mixed reactions after announcing his new nickname
Ilia Topuria is focused on moving up to lightweight, specifically on facing either Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira. The reigning UFC featherweight champion also go fans were divided over his new nickname.
There’s no other opponents
After defending his featherweight title against Max Holloway at UFC 308, Topuria is now looking forward to his move to lightweight. For the champ, there are no other opponents worthy of a showdown with him and it prompted him to trim down his list to just Makhachev and Oliveira. However, Topuria thinks the two are “scared” to face him.
“I’m preparing for Islam Makhachev. All my training is focused on Islam or Charles, because I don’t see any other opponents. So, I have those two names in mind. Neither of them seems to dare (to fight me)… These are the symptoms of fear, we all know that, but it’s normal. I’d be scared too,” Topuria told MMA reporter Alvaro Colmenero.
Ilia Topuria says he’s training to fight either Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira next, but they’re both scared 😬
“All my training is focused on Islam or Charles, because I don’t see any other opponents… Neither of them seems to dare [to fight me]…
These are the symptoms… pic.twitter.com/Fmp0w68id5
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 27, 2025
Fans react to Ilia’s new moniker
Topuria also made headlines for announcing his new nickname to the public. From “El Matador.” Topuria is now “La Leyenda,” which means “The Legend” in Spanish. As expected, not all found it appealing.
El Matador has been my ally in every fight. But next time, I’ll step into the octagon with a new identity. #NewEra
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) March 20, 2025
Check out what some of them had to say below:
“He is good, but he is so lame.”
“You’re so cringe why don’t you prove yourself by fighting Arman or Charles first? Islam would beat you up 😭😭”
“El Matador 2.0”
“Yes against 155’ers you have a new identity it’s called “midget””
“Why change what works? You’re a pretty scary ass matador”
While Topuria already sure about what he wants next, Makhachev has been urging “La Leyenda” to beat a top contender first. This could mean that Topuria has a greater shot at “Do Bronx.”
