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It seems clear that everyone wants to see a fight between Ilia Topuria (16-0) and Islam Makhachev (27-1)... except for the Dagestani fighter himself. 'El Matador' is determined to leave the featherweight division and move up to lightweight to have a more comfortable and natural weight cut, but the Russian continues to dodge a clash with his 145-pound counterpart. However, not everything is said... and not everything goes through Makhachev.
"He's scared, of course he's scared. Of course," the Spanish-Georgian replied to MARCA's question about why Islam was avoiding the duel. The 'Matador', present at WOW 16, spoke to the press before his triumphant entrance in Miribilla. But he didn't stop there. He said more.
He's scared (Makhachev), of course he's scared. Of course
"It's like it's always an easy fight until they put your name on the contract. So... we all know that. If it was that easy, and if I was such a dwarf as he says he would already share the octagon with me, wouldn't he? There's a reason he doesn't want to, I understand. It's OK. Get up there (welterweight), it's OK," added Topuria.
If it were that easy, and if he were as short as he says, he would already share the octagon with me, wouldn't he?
The next question was a must: Is Khabib Nurmagomedov advising Makhachev to avoid a fight with Ilia Topuria? "Eh... surely. Khabib seems to be a good adviser," replied 'El Matador'.
And finally, another clear question given how the conversation and rumors about the future of Ilia and Islam were evolving. Does the jump to lightweight depend on a fight with Makhachev? No. Ilia Topuria is very clear about that.
I want to fight at 155. I don't really need Islam's name
"I want to fight at 155. I don't really need Islam's name. It's not like he's anything special... if he stays to fight me obviously it's an exciting fight for the whole audience and if not, we'll build our future," he explained.