Ilia Topuria is at the top of the world at the moment. While many questioned his decision to move up in weight, the Spaniard has answered them all. Making his lightweight debut, Topiuria was up against Charles Oliveira. And within the first three minutes, he was able to drop him on the ground cold. Now, after giving out such a strong statement, Topuria is going after Islam Makhachev. And he is not mincing his words.
Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria were rumored for a superfight. However, chasing a double-champ status, Makhachev went up to welterweight. According to Topuria, this was because the Dagestani didn’t want to fight ‘El Matador.’ Speaking with TMZ Sports, Topuria stated that Makhachev ran away from him. The Spaniard also opined that the former lightweight champion already knew that he would get knocked out by Topuria.
“He knows I’m dangerous. He knows I’m gonna put him to sleep. Even Khabib [knows],” said Topuria.
Ilia Topuria says Islam Makhachev ran away from him:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 2, 2025
“If the UFC offered him to fight Justin Gaethje… I think he would stay at 155…
He knows I’m dangerous. He knows I’m gonna put him to sleep. Even Khabib [knows].” 😳😳
🎥 @TMZ_Sports #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/SuwMWrb0GQ
Topuria further continued saying that if Makhachev was offered Justin Gaethje, he might not have moved to welterweight. Meanwhile, looking at Topuria’s dominance, Chael Sonnen thinks that he must be holding three belts.
Chael Sonnen Wants A Third Belt For Ilia Topuria
Ilia Topuria’s dominance has been relentless. In his last three fights, Topuria has knocked out three of the best. And thus, looking at the scenario, UFC veteran Chael Sonnen stated that the UFC missed a trick. While Topuria fought Max Holloway in the featherweight division, the fight was only for the featherweight title. But according to Sonnen, Holloway’s ‘BMF’ title should also have been on the line.
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“That son of a b*tch should have three belts right now. Ilia Topuria should have two [belts] over his shoulders and one around his waist,” said Sonnen.
Chael Sonnen calls it a mistake not putting the BMF title on the line in Ilia Topuria vs Max Holloway 🏆🤦♂️
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) July 1, 2025
"That son of a b*tch should have three belts right now. Ilia Topuria should have two [belts] over his shoulders and one around his waist."🤬
(via: @espnmma) pic.twitter.com/sesQIphefL
Thus, with a lot going on, it now remains to be seen how things pan out for Islam Makhachev and Topuria in the future.
Also Read: Ilia Topuria Shares Secret On How His Vulnerability Is Making Him Attain Greatness
