New Delhi: Ilia Topuria is eager to meet Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev in person. The goal of “La Leyenda’s” weight increase to 155 pounds is to defeat Makhachev and win the UFC lightweight championship. Topuria, who is currently the featherweight champion, will formally relinquish his championship on Saturday in favour of Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes, who will fight for the title in the main event of UFC 314.
Although a formal bout between Topuria and Makhachev has not yet been announced, Topuria has often hinted at a potential future confrontation. When asked in an interview with PBD Podcast what advantages he believes he has over the top-ranked Pound-for-Pound fighter in MMA Fighting, Topuria not only gave a confident response, but he also had a message for Makhachev’s mentor.
“You ask me, I feel that I have the advantage in everything,” Topuria said. “This is what I truly believe. Me, personally, I would ask him, ‘What’s your favorite submission?’ Whatever, I don’t know, D’Arce choke. I’m going to submit you with that.”
What Khabib had to say
In contrast to receiving an instant title opportunity at 155 pounds, Nurmagomedov has stated that he would rather see Topuria earn a chance against Makhachev. Both Topuria and Makhachev have impressive resumes. Topuria recently knocked out the legendary fighters Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, advancing his professional record to 16-0.
Makhachev has won 15 straight fights since his only defeat in 2015, including five title defences. Topuria is still awaiting word on his lightweight debut, but he doesn’t think UFC CEO Dana White will force him to compete against a top contender.
“He[White] wouldn’t tell me that,” Topuria said. “He would say for the belt.”
“There’s no way I have to fight to the No. 1 contender,” Topuria continued. “I have to fight directly for the belt. Personally, I don’t know, I hope in summer, maybe in September.”
Topuria doesn’t mind that Nurmagomedov is raising doubts about his challenger credentials since he thinks they’re looking at the prospect from different perspectives.
Undefeated UFC star Ilia Topuria has made a bold claim, vowing to submit lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in front of his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. UFC Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
