Ilia Topuria has a lot of respect for Khabib Nurmagomedov. As for the rest of the Nurmagomedov family, that’s a different story.
This Saturday (October 26), ‘El Matador’ will put his featherweight world title on the line for the first time when he meets former champion Max Holloway in the UFC 308 headliner in Abu Dhabi. Ahead of his highly anticipated return to the Octagon, Topuria offered his thoughts on the former lightweight champion and UFC Hall of Famer.
Topuria was complimentary of Nurmagomedov, commending both his talent and the respect he shows his opponents. However, he was not nearly as nice when talking about Khabib’s cousins i.e. top-five-ranked UFC bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov and Bellator lightweight titleholder Usman Nurmagomedov.
“One thing I respect about Khabib, the guy is really super respectful. He never says anything about anybody. People talk a lot, he never says anything about anybody,” Topuria told KOI Menero MMA. “I mentioned Islam and all the cousins come out. They have never knocked anyone out, they get caught using steroids, they’re super cheaters and suddenly they jump. The only thing it tells me is that they have a damaged nervous system from taking so many steroids. Because that’s the first thing that gets damaged.
“Threatening a fighter with: ’When we see each other, I’m going to hit you.’ It’s like, man. I dedicate my life to fighting. Let them be a little more creative. I don’t know what to say. Their best is Islam.”
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Ilia Topuria Will Make Islam Makhachev ‘Suffer’
While most would probably agree that reigning UFC lightweight king Islam Makhachev is the best fighter on Team Khabib these days, Topuria still thinks he’d take out the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ if the two are ever matched up in a champion vs. champion clash.
“I know what bothers them, what doesn’t bother them. So, for me, even if it seems like a very difficult fight, I would make Islam suffer a lot,” Topuria added. “Too much…I’m a guy who has impeccable physical preparation. In the fifth round, I am the same as in the first and I represent a threat at any second of the fight.
“A style that Islam has never ever faced in his life, and will never face unless he faces me…So that is why I say that right now, there is no one who can overshadow me.”
Watch the full interview below:
