Recently crowned lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has rapidly risen to prominence in the UFC, claiming his title through a commanding performance while defeating Islam Makhachev. Despite widespread comparisons to Conor McGregor, UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov has firmly stated that the rivalry between Topuria and Makhachev lacks the intensity and depth of his own legendary feud with McGregor. Speaking in an interview, Nurmagomedov emphasized the stark difference between the two rivalries, underscoring that Topuria’s persona and approach differ greatly from McGregor’s.
Topuria secured the featherweight title and expressed ambitions to unify titles by challenging Makhachev for lightweight supremacy, aiming for an unprecedented double-championship. However, this highly awaited showdown failed to come to fruition, leaving the MMA community eager for a defining contest. Many have drawn parallels between this prospective matchup and the intense Nurmagomedov-McGregor rivalry, but Nurmagomedov dismissed these comparisons as exaggerated.
No, he’s(Topuria) a good guy. You can tell he’s trying to be someone. I don’t think so. All this hype that’s coming from him, I just don’t see it. The interest, the clash of styles, two champion fighting- sure, that can happen. But not a rivalry like ours.
—Khabib Nurmagomedov via Adam Zubayraev
Analyzing the Difference: Topuria vs. McGregor Rivalry
Conor McGregor’s rivalry with Nurmagomedov was infamous for its bitterness, characterized by relentless and often offensive trash talk directed at Khabib’s religion, family, and homeland. This animosity made their rivalry one of the most personal and volatile in UFC history, culminating in numerous confrontations beyond the cage, including the notorious bus attack incident before UFC 223 media day.
Their escalating hostility pushed promotional tensions to unprecedented heights, concluding in a chaotic post-fight brawl after Nurmagomedov submitted McGregor at UFC 229, stirring global controversy. In contrast, while Topuria has borrowed elements of McGregor’s style, such as his tattoos and outspoken confidence, he has maintained respect towards his opponents and avoided such toxic behavior.
Following his victory in the lightweight division, Topuria has hinted at moving up to face Makhachev again in the 170-pound category, although the UFC reportedly prefers that he focus on defending his current title. Nevertheless, UFC president Dana White has not entirely ruled out the possibility of a super-fight between Topuria and Makhachev in the future, keeping fans hopeful for a potential clash.
Ilia Topuria’s Rise and His Aspirations Against UFC Legends
Ilia Topuria’s reputation in the UFC has been built on dominant finishes and confident predictions, often calling out knockout results with remarkable accuracy, as seen in his wins over Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski. His bold personality and precise fight forecasts have made him a divisive yet marketable figure in the sport.
Admired for his unwavering self-belief and consistent performance, Topuria frequently predicts victories that become reality through commanding displays in the Octagon. He has also publicly stated his willingness and confidence to face UFC greats like Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov, expressing a desire to test himself against these legends.
I would be happy to enter the octagon with Khabib Nurmagomedov. He had an undefeated record at 29-0 and he had an attractive record for me, then also history. He is a worthy and honourable champion for me. [I would 100% defeat him].
—Ilia Topuria
Technical Matchup: What a Fight Between Topuria and Nurmagomedov Might Look Like
Khabib Nurmagomedov was renowned for his dominant grappling and ground control, systematically neutralizing striking specialists with his relentless pressure and top control. In contrast, Topuria’s grappling skills have been noted as significantly competitive, which could make a hypothetical fight between the two more balanced than typical striker-versus-grappler contests.
The prospect of this matchup has intrigued fans, given the potential for a more evenly matched grappling battle combined with Topuria’s disrespectful edge, challenging the dominance Khabib once exhibited. Although this fight remains a scenario rather than a scheduled event, it continues to fuel discussions within the UFC community.
Looking Ahead: The Future of UFC Rivalries and Title Unifications
The still-developing rivalry between Topuria and Makhachev remains one of the most talked-about possibilities in the UFC landscape. While Khabib Nurmagomedov downplays the intensity of their feud in comparison to his war with McGregor, the matchup carries the weight of two reigning champions vying for supremacy. Should this battle take place, it has the potential to redefine current UFC narratives and elevate the sport’s competitive hierarchy.
With Dana White leaving the door ajar for a Topuria-Makhachev super-fight, fans and analysts will closely watch both fighters’ next steps, anticipating whether they can live up to the hype and create their own legendary chapter in UFC history. Meanwhile, Topuria’s expressed ambitions and respectful demeanor contrast with past foes, offering a different model of rivalry and competition in the sport.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Ilia Topuria Turkish?
A. Ilia Topuria, born on January 21, 1997, is a mixed martial artist from Georgia and Spain. He fights in the UFC’s Lightweight division and holds the title of UFC Lightweight Champion.