In a sport where physical violence is only half the battle, the psychological warfare waged outside the cage often proves just as compelling. And in that department, Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria are already swinging.
Though the two champions may be on different career tracks—Makhachev (27-1), the former UFC lightweight king, now marching toward a welterweight conquest, and Topuria (16-0), the undefeated featherweight phenom-turned-lightweight contender—their verbal feud is shaping up to be one of the most combustible in recent UFC history. If a fight between them ever materializes, it would be the product of a rivalry carefully fermented through accusation, posturing, and unapologetic ego.
Topuria Calls Makhachev a Hypocrite Over Superfight Aspirations
It began, as many UFC beefs do, at a press conference. Topuria branded Makhachev a “hypocrite,” referencing the Dagestani’s criticism of fighters chasing “superfights” before cleaning out their divisions. But now, with Makhachev pursuing a welterweight belt, Topuria called foul.
“He said he didn’t want to give me the opportunity because I was the little guy, and now the little guy is the one looking for the same opportunity I was looking for,” he said.
Ilia Topuria’s Knockout Wins Over Volkanovski and Holloway Set the Stage
The irony wasn’t lost on Topuria, who vacated his featherweight title after brutally finishing Volkanovski and Max Holloway, both legends of the game, to chase a second belt in the lightweight division. His next target? Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 for the vacant strap.
Meanwhile, Makhachev, having beaten the top of the 155-pound division—including Oliveira himself—is now set on challenging newly minted welterweight champ Jack Della Maddalena later this year.
“Coward” and “Little Boy”: Trash Talk Escalates on Social Media
The online warfare between the two escalated on Tuesday. After Topuria publicly called Makhachev a “coward” and mocked him in Russian—“Ты маленький пацан” or “little boy”—Makhachev didn’t hesitate. In a sharp rebuttal, he dismissed Topuria’s credentials and reminded fans that he had cleared out the lightweight elite before stepping up.
“You are nobody in LW division, just a big mouth from Spain with nice haircut,” he quipped. “Go get one W, and we can talk, boy.”
Look, I’m just saying—calling a Dagestani a “coward” is not a good idea. Additionally, Makhachev is right: he cleaned out his division, and with Belal Muhammad out of the picture, now is the time for him to make his move.
The difference between you and me is that I am a man and you are a coward. I speak and fight. you talk and hide. Run away far, leaving no trace. Ты маленький пацан. https://t.co/kDuhhdIB8t
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) May 15, 2025
Can Topuria Prove Himself in the Lightweight Division Before Calling Out Champions?
As for Topuria, he hasn’t done anything in the lightweight division yet—and well, he’s got some work to do.
