UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has launched a verbal attack on fellow fighter Islam Makhachev.
Both Topuria and Makhachev were prominent figures in recent UFC announcements. Makhachev is set to vacate the lightweight title to challenge welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena later this year. Meanwhile, Topuria is scheduled to fight former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira for the now-vacant lightweight belt at UFC 317 on June 28th, headlining International Fight Week.
Topuria`s Accusation of Hypocrisy
Speaking in a recent interview with EuroSport, Topuria addressed the fact that his first lightweight title shot wouldn`t be against Makhachev.
“He’s the biggest hypocrite I’ve ever seen in my life,” Topuria stated. “He claimed he wouldn’t give me an opportunity because I was the smaller fighter, and now he is the smaller one seeking the very same chance I desired. So, it`s like he criticized my action, only to do the exact same thing himself. I have never witnessed such hypocrisy, but I assume that is the guidance he is receiving.”
Responding to Makhachev`s Manager
When asked about a comment from Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, who suggested Topuria should thank Makhachev for vacating the lightweight title and moving up to 170 pounds, Topuria was quick to retort.
“He should be thanking me for not defeating his star, thus preserving his value and reputation,” Topuria explained. “They discreetly avoided the fight everyone wanted to witness. I was ready; I had prepared and committed entirely to it, but they withdrew.
“From the outset, they never once agreed to face me. They constantly asserted I didn’t merit the shot and didn`t want to give another smaller guy a chance. They never accepted the fight or did me any favors. They merely did themselves a favor by escaping in time to maintain some credibility and value.”
Makhachev`s Online Reply
Seeing the comments circulate online, Makhachev took to social media to respond to Topuria`s assertions. He maintained his position that he wanted Topuria to secure at least one win in the lightweight division before earning a title opportunity.
“Difference between me and you, that I cleaned top list in my division, moved to next, but you ran away from two contenders who had consecutive 5-9 wins in the [featherweight] division,” Makhachev wrote. “You are nobody in [lightweight] division, just a big mouth from Spain with nice haircut. Go get one W, and we can talk boy.”
Topuria`s Counter-Reply
Unsurprisingly, Topuria quickly fired back with his own response in the escalating verbal war.
“The difference between you and me is that I am a man and you are a coward,” Topuria tweeted. “I speak my mind and I fight. You talk and you hide. Run away far, leaving no trace.”
