- UFC. Ilia Topuria has no intention of pursuing Islam Makhachev at welterweight
- UFC. Makhachev's manager dismisses Oliveira ahead of his fight with Ilia Topuria
They will not face each other soon, but neither Ilia Topuria (16-0) nor Islam Makhachev (27-1) have buried the hatchet. After WOW 19 in Alicante, the 'Matador' was again asked about the Dagestani, who is already officially competing for the welterweight title. And Topuria, of course, responded, sending another message to the Russian fighter.
The former featherweight champion spoke about Islam's words and who has definitely got away with it
"You know what happens, that from the beginning he wanted to give an image as if he had some decision. He said about a week ago: 'My move up to welterweight is not going to matter because I do not intend to leave the title vacant'. I had said before that I had not come to lightweight to ask anyone anything, that I was the one in charge. So, who got their way? Who did what they said? As always... him or me? Then, after this fight, once I have the belt, let him get in line because it's long, more than one person's eyes light up," declared the 'Matador'.
Who got away with it? Who did what they said they would do? As always... him or me?
Ilia made the situation clear on Thursday, stating that he will not go after Makhachev wherever the Russian goes as he does not want to fight someone who does not want to fight him, and now responds to the situation of what would happen if Islam returned to lightweight... to fight Ilia.
The 'Matador' was present at WOW 19 as one of the shareholders (and the visible face) of the MMA promoter. The event was in Alicante, and afterwards he appeared before the press. Ilia will also be at WOW 20 on June 7, before leaving for Las Vegas.