Islam Makhachev has finally addressed the sharp words recently aimed at his team by Ilia Topuria. While the two fighters have never shared the cage, their rivalry has steadily grown through interviews and public statements, now extending beyond competition and into personal territory.
Topuria, who currently holds gold at lightweight, has continued to speak openly about Makhachev and members of his circle, including Hall of Fame figure Khabib Nurmagomedov. The comments have raised eyebrows across the MMA world, especially given the lack of an officially scheduled bout between the two champions.
For years, fans speculated about a potential meeting when Makhachev was ruling the lightweight division and Topuria was dominating at featherweight. That matchup never materialized. Makhachev later moved to welterweight and captured the title there, while Topuria claimed the lightweight championship during his absence.
Despite the shift in divisions, Topuria has continued to push the narrative, making it clear that his issues are not limited to championship positioning.
In a recent interview, Topuria stated:
“They’re so cocky and arrogant, I would really love to submit him in front of [Nurmagomedov], and if Khabib wants to step in afterward, I’ll gladly step on his head, too.”
Makhachev Breaks His Silence
Speaking during an appearance with Ushatayka, Makhachev was asked directly whether he felt Topuria’s tone crossed a line. The welterweight champion did not escalate the situation, but he acknowledged the hostility.
“I don’t know, we can feel it,” Makhachev said. “He has some kind of hatred towards us, but I think we’ll sort it out.”
Makhachev suggested that the situation may resolve itself over time, whether through direct competition or simply with distance.
“Either before the fight somehow or maybe in the future. Right now he’s on some kind of break. Maybe in the future we’ll settle it in the cage and see.”
Islam Makhachev isn’t a fan of Ilia Topuria’s trash talk 😬
“He has some kind of hatred towards us. But I think we’ll sort it out. Either before the fight somehow, or maybe in the future… He’s unhappy about something. We need to figure out what it is.” 😳
(via Ushatayka) pic.twitter.com/4FIZD9nLDn
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 27, 2025
At present, neither champion has announced a first title defense for their current reigns. Makhachev opted not to compete at UFC 324 in January due to scheduling complications. Topuria, meanwhile, has stepped away temporarily, citing personal matters.
That pause has not cooled the rhetoric, though Makhachev remains unsure of its root cause.
“He’s unhappy about something,” Makhachev said. “We need to figure out what it is.”
Whether the tension leads to an eventual superfight or fades with time remains unclear. For now, both men sit atop their divisions, undefeated in recent runs, connected by unfinished business and words spoken outside the cage.
Until their paths officially cross, speculation will continue, and so will the debate over whether this rivalry ever becomes physical.
