- UFC. Ilia Topuria updates dates for his next fight: "Summer, maybe September..."
- UFC. UFC 314 Volkanovski vs Lopes Odds: Who is the favorite for the fight?
While waiting to find out who Ilia Topuria's (16-0) next opponent will be, when and where... 'The Legend' continues to aim high: he wants the lightweight title in his first shot, claims the UFC has promised him and continues to challenge the absolute king of the 155-pound division: Islam Makhachev (27-1).
The Dagestani, with four successful title defenses, is not yet open to fighting the Spanish-Georgian. He is reluctant... and that is why the 'Matador' has no date yet. However, Topuria continues to send messages to Makhachev in each of his interviews. The latest, from the United States on 'PBD Podcast'.
"I would personally ask him (Makhachev, ed.) something like: 'What's your favorite submission?' No problem. I'll take it. I'll take it close to Khabib and I'll submit him close to Khabib. Khabib was talking to Dana when he was fighting... If he says an armbar or a guillotine, I'm going for that. No problem, it's going to be even more entertaining for me," Ilia said to the interviewer's surprise.
If he says an armbar or a guillotine, I'm going for it. No problem, it's going to be even more entertaining for me
Dagestani wrestling vs. Georgian wrestling
And while it is true that many people think that Dagestani wrestling is the best in the world... Merab Dvalishvili (19-4) recently made it clear to Umar Nurmagomedov (18-1) that the level in Georgia is also very high. He broke Umar's undefeated record in a great fight at UFC 311.
Topuria actually has a Greco-Roman wrestling and BJJ background, as much as his recent wins have been by KO. He himself recalled: "People don't realise that my background comes from wrestling. I grew up with wrestling and jiu-jitsu, and then I developed my skills. My best skills are on the ground."
I grew up with wrestling and jiu-jitsu, and then I developed my skills. My best skills are on the ground
If the long-awaited clash between Topuria and Makhachev finally takes place, it will be a major test to see what 'The Legend' is capable of... and if he delivers on yet another promise: to submit Makhachev. So far he has never failed to deliver on his word.