In the span of a few days, Ilia Topuria has taken aim at two of the most iconic names in modern UFC history—and he didn’t pull a single punch. Whether it was Khabib Nurmagomedov downplaying his credentials or Conor McGregor being painted as a faded shadow of his former self, Topuria’s message is loud and clear: he’s here, he’s undefeated, and he’s not asking for permission anymore.
The Makhachev Dilemma
Earlier this year, after securing UFC gold at 145 pounds, Topuria voluntarily vacated his featherweight title, signaling his intent to move up and chase greatness at lightweight.
But Makhachev’s camp—led by the ever-strategic Khabib—wasn’t biting.
In a recent interview, Khabib made it plain: Topuria hasn’t earned it at 155. Unlike Arman Tsarukyan, a proven lightweight contender, Topuria has yet to step foot in the division. Giving a third straight featherweight a title shot, especially after already dispatching Alexander Volkanovski twice, would do little to advance Makhachev’s legacy. “Beat him, and then what?” Khabib reasoned. “He’s a nobody at 155.”
Topuria Hits Back Hard
Topuria didn’t let that narrative hang in the air for long.
Firing back on social media, he accused Khabib of shielding Islam, suggesting the real reason the fight isn’t being made is fear of defeat. That jab, aimed squarely at one of MMA’s most respected icons, was Topuria at his most brash—and arguably, most effective. Khabib’s stoic aura rarely attracts this kind of pushback, but Topuria seems more than willing to disrupt the status quo.
Khabib knows I’m the one to take the belt from Islam. Only reason he doesn’t want Islam to fight me
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) April 16, 2025
And then, as if dunking on Khabib wasn’t enough, he aimed his crosshairs at McGregor.
“He Needs to Die and Be Born Again”
Appearing on The Joe Rogan Experience, Topuria confirmed that preliminary conversations had taken place about a potential showdown with Conor McGregor. While careful not to divulge details—“you know how the UFC is,” he said—he still unleashed verbal hell on the Irish superstar.
“If you put him against me, he needs to die and be born again,” Topuria declared, adding that McGregor’s body is “f*****,” his chin is “f*****,” and that “with that much parties and drugs… you’re gonna have to pay that price.”
It was more than just trash talk. Topuria painted a portrait of decay, pointing to McGregor’s inactivity, his brutal weight cuts, and his declining health. For Topuria, it’s not just that McGregor is past his prime—it’s that he’s physically broken, and not fit to stand across from someone in his prime.
What Now?
Topuria’s audacity is nothing new—his rise to UFC gold came with swagger and knockout power—but this latest chapter cements his status as a true disruptor in the sport. He’s calling out champions, legends, and the UFC’s biggest cash cow all in one breath.
The question now is whether the UFC gives him what he wants.
Will he have to go through Arman Tsarukyan to earn his shot at Makhachev? Will the UFC cash in on a massive Topuria vs. McGregor fight while they still can? Or will Topuria simply continue blazing his own trail, regardless of who stands in his way?
One thing is certain: he’s not done talking. And judging by what we’ve seen this month, he’s far from done winning either.
