The verbal sparring between UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and featherweight titleholder Ilia Topuria is escalating into a full-blown rivalry.
Ilia Topuria, slated to headline the upcoming UFC event on June 14 against interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, has openly expressed his desire to face Makhachev instead. Topuria firmly believes Makhachev has been deliberately avoiding a matchup between them, accusing the highly-ranked pound-for-pound fighter of evading a potential clash at the UFC White House event.
Topuria articulated his frustrations on X, stating, “Once again Islam comes up with an excuse. This time it’s an injury.” He further elaborated that he always anticipated being part of the White House event. When the UFC initially proposed Makhachev as an opponent, Topuria said he accepted without hesitation. However, he awoke the following day to news of Makhachev’s injury, which led to Justin Gaethje stepping in. Topuria concluded his statement by saying, “Once again, someone else who will pay for Islam’s escape.”
Makhachev swiftly retaliated against ‘El Matador,’ accusing him of exhibiting cowardice in their burgeoning grudge match.
“We both know who chickened out here,” Makhachev responded to Topuria’s post on X. “You can cover your cowardice with nasty tweets, but don’t worry, one day you will get what you asked for! And your fat ass manager don’t have to ask for billions to fight me, we’ll do it for free.”
We both know who chickened out here 😉 you can cover your cowardice with nasty tweets, but don’t worry, one day you will get what you asked for! and your fat ass manager don’t have to ask for billions to fight me, we’ll do it for free. https://t.co/PTCJxG0gTv
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) March 10, 2026
With Topuria holding the No. 2 spot in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings, a clash between these two reigning champions would undoubtedly pit two of the sport’s elite fighters against each other in their athletic primes.