- UFC. Conor McGregor receives a harsh message: "A beating awaits you, there is no reason to return"
- UFC. Conor McGregor and his life of luxury: shows off a Rolls-Royce Phantom Mansory and his millionaire purchases
The wait to find out Ilia Topuria's (16-0) next opponent continues. Although the Spaniard confirmed a few days ago that he will fight for the lightweight title after vacating the featherweight title, Islam Makhachev (27-1) is not making it easy for him. The 155-pound champion has been stalling Topuria for the last few months, which has led his detractors to claim that he is afraid of 'The Legend'. Daniel Cormier, a double champion and UFC Hall of Famer, has come to the defense of his friend
"Ilia Topuria is a cool guy, but I disagree a little bit. I know for a fact that Islam Makhachev is not afraid of him. I tell you this as someone who is friends with Islam, who has known him for years. Ilia Topuria may instill fear in most, but Islam is not afraid of him,"he said via Youtube. Cormier was a training partner - at AKA Gym - of the current pound-for-pound number one for much of his career, as well as of Khabib Nurmagomedov, hence his close relationship with both.
Justin Gaethje isn't afraid of Topuria. Charles Oliveira isn't either. Dustin Poirier isn't either. Nor is Michael Chandler
The former heavyweight and light heavyweight king went further in his statements, claiming that "Justin Gaethje is not afraid of Topuria either. Charles Oliveira, neither. Dustin Poirier, neither. Nor Michael Chandler either. Those guys are not afraid." Whether it's fear or not, the reality is that no one wants to fight the new 'coconut' of the category, something that is understood in Ilia's own team. The risk of facing an undefeated champion who makes the leap in category is very high, but inevitable.
A matter of interests, not fear
The fear before entering the octagon is natural in a fighter. Legends such as George St-Pierre have recognized that it is this fear that makes them dangerous, because it brings out the survival instinct in each of them. However, this fear arises towards something - being knocked out, submitted - not towards someone. "Fear is pretty much the last thing that goes through your mind when you think about another fighter, especially if you have to fight him," Cormier concluded.
Fear is pretty much the last thing that goes through your mind when you think of another fighter
On May 10, Belal Muhammad - a friend of Makhachev - will put his welterweight belt on the line against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315. Should the Palestinian lose, Makhachev will surely ask to move up in weight in order to get the double belt, which is why he continues to stall Topuria. More than fear, it is interests. If this happens, the Spanish-Georgian may be forced to fight another opponent for the vacant or interim belt. For now, everything is up in the air.