lia Topuria may be sidelined from competition, but he is not staying quiet.
While appearing in a recent recorded interview connected to his WOW MMA promotion, the reigning UFC champion shifted attention away from his ongoing hiatus and directly addressed Islam Makhachev. Despite not having a fight scheduled, Topuria questioned Makhachev’s willingness to face him and dismissed previous opponents in the process.
“Everyone knows this is the fight people want, but for some reason he hasn’t accepted it,” Topuria said. “He talks too much. It’s very easy to talk from thousands of kilometers away, to judge and criticize me. When you’re in the octagon with me, you’ll realize I’m not Jack Della Maddalena or Dan Hooker. When my right hand lands, you’re going to have a very long sleep.”
Topuria did not stop there. He went on to bring Khabib Nurmagomedov into the discussion, escalating the tone even further.
“They’re so cocky and arrogant, I would really love to submit [Islam] in front of [Khabib],” Topuria said. “And if Khabib wants to step in afterward, I’ll gladly step on his head too.”
Ilia Topuria says he’d love to submit Islam Makhachev in front of Khabib and step on Khabib’s head after 😳
“They’re so cocky and arrogant, I would really love to submit him in front of [Khabib]. And if Khabib wants to step in afterward, I’ll gladly step on his head too.”
(via… pic.twitter.com/kc9QnknYlB
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 21, 2025
Ali Abdelaziz Responds to Topuria’s Remarks
Those statements quickly reached Ali Abdelaziz, the longtime manager of Islam Makhachev. Abdelaziz addressed the situation publicly, making it clear that patience has limits.
“I’m a little bit confused,” Abdelaziz wrote. “Everybody giving this guy space and respect to resolve his family problems. And should be. But when he come out talking about Khabib, Islam, Arman, for no reason. And he’s not even fighting. I’m not sure if people should give him a pass anymore.”
I’m a little bit confused. Everybody giving this guy space and respect to resolve his family problems. And should be. But when he come out talking about Habib, Islam, Arman, for no reason. And he’s not even fighting. I’m not sure if people should give him a pass anymore.
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) December 22, 2025
Abdelaziz’s reaction signals a shift in tone from Makhachev’s camp. While Topuria previously requested privacy during personal matters, the manager suggested that public comments aimed at fighters and coaches invite a response.
For now, Topuria remains away from the Octagon, and no matchup has been announced involving Makhachev. Still, the exchange has reignited tension between two of the sport’s most prominent names, ensuring that the rivalry continues even without a scheduled bout.
