Ilia Topuria has declared himself the rightful challenger for Islam Makhachev’s UFC lightweight title, firing back at Khabib Nurmagomedov for backing Arman Tsarukyan and accusing the MMA legend of protecting his longtime teammate.
Topuria, the undefeated Georgian-Spanish fighter, made his stance clear after Nurmagomedov suggested Tsarukyan deserved the next title shot. The comments were made in the wake of Topuria voluntarily vacating his featherweight belt to move up to 155 pounds.
“Khabib knows I’m the one to take the belt from Islam,” Topuria posted on social media. “Only reason he doesn’t want Islam to fight me.”
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
Topuria’s recent résumé supports his claim. After starting his UFC career with six straight wins, including a lightweight victory over Jai Herbert, Topuria scored back-to-back knockouts of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 and Max Holloway at UFC 308.
He became the first man to finish Holloway via strikes and the first to defeat Volkanovski in a featherweight contest.
With Arman Tsarukyan missing his opportunity due to a back injury before UFC 311, Topuria’s path to a title shot appears clearer.
Tsarukyan, who previously lost to Makhachev in his UFC debut in 2019, had built a strong case with a 9-1 record since but must now wait after being forced to withdraw from his scheduled fight.
UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that Tsarukyan “will have to fight his way back” into contention, possibly opening the door for Topuria’s shot at gold.
Topuria also appeared on the Joe Rogan podcast recently, where he stated he had no issues ‘sitting out’ and waiting for a title shot agains Makhachev.
As for Makhachev, his next move could depend on the UFC 315 main event between welterweight champion Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena.
Makhachev has previously expressed interest in moving up to welterweight to become a two-division champion but has hesitated due to his friendship with Muhammad.
If Maddalena pulls off an upset, Makhachev could shift divisions, potentially vacating the lightweight title or leading to an interim bout. That scenario might see Topuria face another top contender for gold at 155 pounds.
For now, Topuria has made it known he’s ready—and willing—to challenge the reigning champion.
