Ilia Topuria still wants Islam Makhachev, but he says the UFC is the reason the fight has not happened.
During his appearance on DeepCut with VicBlends, Topuria was asked about Makhachev after the host brought up Islam as the original target. Makhachev has also been linked to a possible Ian Machado Garry fight at UFC 330, but Topuria said the Islam matchup still has to happen.
“It has to,” Topuria said.
“I would love it,” Topuria added. “It has to happen. I would love it.”
Watch the full interview below. The Makhachev discussion starts around the 57:30 mark.
Topuria Says He Does Not Need Makhachev To Feel Complete
Topuria is unbeaten at 17-0 and has held UFC gold at featherweight and lightweight. Makhachev is 28-1, a former UFC lightweight champion and current UFC welterweight champion.
Asked whether his career would still feel complete if the Makhachev fight never happens, Topuria said it would not change anything for him.
“For me personally, it wouldn’t change like anything because at the same time, I don’t hate him,” Topuria said. “I don’t have anything personal for him.”
Topuria credited Makhachev’s résumé and said the fight would be massive if the UFC ever put it together.
“The thing is that he achieved great things in the sport,” Topuria said. “He’s a double champion, like me, and if you do that crossover, me and Islam will be one of the biggest fights in UFC history without any doubt.”
Topuria also said he does not need Makhachev’s name on his record to feel satisfied with his own career.
“If that fight never happens, I will be happy and proud about myself,” Topuria said. “I don’t need Islam to feel realized or to feel happy or to feel proud about myself.”
After the Ian Garry situation came up, Topuria said he does not believe Makhachev is blocking the fight.
“I don’t think that it’s because of him that the fight is not happening,” Topuria said. “I truly believe that the UFC doesn’t want to make it happen.”
Makhachev’s next step remains tied to the welterweight title picture, with Garry and Carlos Prates both part of the conversation. Topuria is still connected to the lightweight title scene and a Justin Gaethje fight at UFC Freedom 250.
The matchup has been discussed for months, including Makhachev’s previous response to Topuria’s accusations around UFC Freedom 250. Topuria’s position in this interview was specific: he wants the fight, credits Makhachev’s achievements, and believes the UFC is the reason it has not been made.
