Ilia Topuria Dismisses Islam Makhachev Submission Threat With Savage One-Liner
Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev represents one of the biggest rivalries on the current UFC roster. Last year, the ‘El Matador’ moved up to the lightweight division, seeking Makhachev, while the Dagestani pursued his ambitious welterweight championship dreams.
Both fighters succeeded as double champions, yet their rivalry remains fierce and fueled by occasional trash-talking. Topuria is extremely confident in his skills and believes he can end Makhachev’s record-breaking, undefeated reign.
The Dagestani is known for wrestling and dominated Jack Della Maddalena by controlling every exchange during their last outing at UFC 322. Recently, after an X user predicted that Makhachev would submit Topuria, the lightweight champion responded brutally and dismissed the claim. “Not even in his dreams. He’s bad even at dreaming,” wrote Ilia Topuria via X.
Ilia Topuria is a devastating knockout artist, having finished Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, and Alexander Volkanovski with ruthless precision. He dominated 2025 as UFC Fighter of the Year, determined to extend the same momentum.
Beyond striking, Topuria also possesses elite wrestling, believing his grappling separates him from others, making him a perfect fighter. UFC CEO Dana White has acknowledged massive interest in this clash, recognizing the contrasting styles could generate historic pay-per-view numbers.
However, Islam Makhachev has insisted he will not return to lightweight, dismissing Topuria’s challenge while focusing on legacy-defining opportunities. Fans are eagerly waiting to find out how the UFC will navigate through this rivalry and make the biggest fight possible.
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When is Ilia Topuria making his UFC return?
Ilia Topuria reportedly postponed his January fight, citing personal issues with his wife while prioritizing family responsibilities and privacy. He recently won the first court case, stopping his daughter from going to Miami with his ex-wife.
Topuria was later seen training alongside football legend Sergio Ramos, signaling renewed focus and determination for his comeback journey. During the recent X interaction with fans, the ‘El Matador’ mentioned that he will be back to fight in April 2026.
According to Topuria, he will fight the winner of the upcoming interim lightweight title fight between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje at UFC 324. He has also claimed that other top contenders, such as Arman Tsarukyan, are easy targets for him in a potential fight.
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