Ilia Topuria has challenged the widespread speculation regarding Islam Makhachev ducking him by providing a clear explanation for the Dagestani fighter’s move up to the welterweight division. Ahead of UFC 317, Topuria dismissed claims of avoidance and highlighted Makhachev’s motivation for seeking new challenges, while preparing to establish himself in the lightweight class against Charles Oliveira.
Topuria Addresses the ‘Ducking’ Allegations Against Makhachev
The ongoing debate about Islam Makhachev’s move from lightweight to welterweight prompted many fans to accuse him of evading a fight with Ilia Topuria. However, Topuria recently sat down with MMA journalist Ariel Helwani and firmly rejected this narrative. He expressed that rather than avoiding competition, Makhachev’s decision was driven by the grueling nature of the lightweight weight cut and his ambition to conquer another division.
“I don’t think [Islam Makhachev] is ducking me, to be honest. I would be lying to you if I told you that he’s ducking me. I think he’s tired of the weight cut. He wants a new challenge. He moved to the welterweight division. He feels and he thinks that he has a chance to become a double champion. I think that this is all he’s trying to do.” —Ilia Topuria talking to Ariel Helwani
Topuria emphasized that Makhachev’s intentions stem from physical strain and aspirations to become a two-division champion. This perspective distinguishes Topuria’s respectful stance from much of the fan speculation, highlighting the complexities behind fighters’ decisions to change weight classes.
The Wider Context: Comparisons with Jon Jones and Recent Retirements
In the same interview, Helwani compared Makhachev’s situation to Jon Jones, another fighter recently accused of ducking opponents, such as Tom Aspinall. Topuria dismissed these comparisons, noting Jones’s decade-long dominance in the UFC and his current fatigue as understandable reasons for stepping back.
Despite his usual trash-talking approach, Topuria acknowledged respect for both Makhachev and Jones in their respective decisions, reflecting a more nuanced view of fighters’ career moves than is often aired publicly.
Topuria’s Own Experience With Weight Divisions and Future Plans
Topuria’s insight into weight struggles arises from personal experience, having moved up from featherweight due to difficulties making weight safely. He discussed how attempting to compete at featherweight adversely affected his health and performance. Since moving to lightweight, he feels revitalized, with improved strength and readiness to face elite competition.
Topuria expressed openness to eventually moving even higher to welterweight, specifically to pursue a fight with Makhachev, reflecting his confidence and willingness to adapt his career path to face top competition regardless of division.
Organizational Perspectives and Upcoming Challenges
UFC President Dana White has advised patience regarding Topuria’s potential future in welterweight, suggesting it is important to let Makhachev establish himself in that division before chasing a matchup. Makhachev has also indicated interest in fighting Topuria down the line but remains focused on securing welterweight gold as his next goal.
Meanwhile, Topuria’s immediate challenge is to defeat Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, a bout that draws significant attention as both fighters vie for the lightweight title. Oliveira, a former champion and highly respected veteran, has vowed to utilize his grappling skills and knockout power to secure a win and reclaim the belt.
Topuria Earns High Praise From Former UFC BMF Champion Jorge Masvidal
Ilia Topuria’s rapid rise and dominant performances have earned him strong endorsements from prominent MMA figures, including ex-UFC BMF champion Jorge Masvidal. Having trained alongside Topuria and his brother Alexandre, Masvidal recognizes Ilia’s rare talent and grappling prowess, considering him an exceptional athlete poised for championship success.
“Ilia is one out of 10,000. Say their name. I’ve trained with everybody, brother. This guy’s special. I think he’s gonna be a world champion at 155. He’s gonna beat Charles, man. He’s gonna find a way to beat him. Charles is bigger. Charles has kicks, knees, elbows, great jiu-jitsu, good wrestling. Everywhere, Charles is good. But Ilia is just different, brother.” —Jorge Masvidal said speaking to Red Corner MMA
Masvidal’s endorsement highlights Topuria’s unique combination of striking power and grappling skill, distinguishing him from other fighters in the lightweight division. His prediction that Topuria will overcome Oliveira bolsters anticipation for UFC 317’s main event.
Charles Oliveira’s Determination Ahead of UFC 317
Despite being considered the underdog in his matchup against Topuria, Charles Oliveira brings formidable experience and confidence into the fight. The Brazilian former champion believes his ground game can neutralize Topuria’s strengths and has publicly vowed to both submit and knock out his opponent.
Oliveira is motivated by personal reasons to reclaim the lightweight title, adding emotional weight to his competitive drive as the UFC welterweight ranks prepare to witness this high-stakes encounter.
What This Means for the Lightweight and Welterweight Divisions
Topuria’s rebuttal to the Islam Makhachev ducking narrative provides clarity on the challenges fighters face regarding weight management and career progression. It shows that decisions to change divisions are often strategic, rooted in health and ambitions rather than avoidance.
With UFC 317 drawing near, the lightweight division is poised for a significant shift, whether Oliveira retains the belt or Topuria rises as the new champion. Meanwhile, Makhachev’s pursuit of welterweight gold will further influence the landscape of that division.
The interplay between these fighters’ trajectories will shape UFC’s competitive dynamics in the coming months, setting up future matchups that fans have eagerly awaited.