Ilia Topuria, who has vacated the UFC featherweight title to pursue the lightweight division, recently commented on Islam Makhachev’s decision to relinquish the 155-pound belt and chase welterweight gold. Speaking at a translated press conference covered by sources like Marca and Championship Rounds, Topuria suggested Makhachev’s move reveals mental weakness driven by fear of remaining lightweight contenders.
Topuria, set to face Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317, believes Makhachev’s departure from 155 pounds shows doubt in facing top competition. His remarks fuel debate about Makhachev’s career shift.
“I think Islam, right now, he’s at a point where mentally, I think he’s broken. Because I don’t think it’s a good thing for you to know deep down that you’ve left a division out of fear. There’s no other explanation. Imagine if I had left featherweight with a Max Holloway still to beat at the weight class, or some truly deserving contender sweeping the entire division and everyone shouting his name,” Topuria said.
Ilia Topuria says Islam Makhachev is ‘mentally broken’ ahead of his welterweight move 😳
“He’s at a point where mentally, I think he’s broken. Because I don’t think it’s a good thing for you to know deep down that you’ve left a division out of fear.
Imagine if I had left… pic.twitter.com/Gqr5P0dzUf
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 15, 2025
Topuria’s Lightweight Pursuit and Critique of Makhachev
Topuria questioned how Makhachev’s mindset might affect his welterweight performance.
“What does that tell you? Well, I don’t know how that’s going to affect him mentally at welterweight. I don’t know, honestly. He can do what he wants with his life,” he added, casting doubt on Makhachev’s resilience.
Makhachev dominated lightweight, winning the title by submitting Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in October 2022. He defended it four times against Alexander Volkanovski (twice), Dustin Poirier, and Renato Moicano, boasting a 15-fight win streak with eight finishes in his last nine bouts.
His only career loss was a 2015 knockout to Adriano Martins. After vacating the lightweight title in 2025 to challenge welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, Makhachev voiced his goal to become a two-division champion, backed by UFC CEO Dana White.
Topuria claimed the featherweight title by knocking out Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February 2024. He defended it against Max Holloway at UFC 308, cementing his dominance before moving to lightweight for a title shot at UFC 317 on June 28, 2025.
The lightweight division, now without Makhachev, focuses on Topuria and Oliveira, who aim to establish supremacy at 155 pounds. Topuria’s critique suggests Makhachev avoided a potential rematch with Oliveira or other rising contenders.
Makhachev’s welterweight pursuit follows his manager Ali Abdelaziz’s claim that no UFC fighter matches his dominance. Topuria’s comments imply Makhachev’s move stems from pressure, heightening anticipation for his upcoming fight.
