UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria does not believe that welterweight king Islam Makhachev is ducking a fight against him.
At UFC Freedom 250, Ilia Topuria will defend the UFC lightweight championship against Justin Gaethje. The overwhelming expectation is that he will secure yet another vicious knockout win and keep his incredible run going, but of course, looking past someone like Gaethje is a very risky thing to do.
Beyond that, though, there has been a lot of talk about Topuria moving up to 170 pounds in pursuit of a third world title in a third weight class. In doing so, he would likely be facing off against Islam Makhachev, a man who he has been linked with for a long time now.
In a recent interview, Topuria made it clear that he doesn’t think Makhachev is ducking him, despite some suggesting that he is.
Topuria discusses Makhachev rivalry
“I don’t think that it’s because of him that the fight is not happening,” he told VicBlends.
“I truly believe that it’s the UFC that doesn’t want to make it happen.”
“For me personally, it wouldn’t change anything,” he added.
“I don’t hate Islam Makhachev. I don’t have anything personal against him. He’s achieved great things in the sport, he’s a double champ like me, and if you do me and Islam, it will be one of the biggest fights in UFC history.
“If that fight never happens, I will be happy and proud of myself anyways. I don’t need Islam to feel proud about myself.”
Quotes via Bloody Elbow
If this fight does take place, who would you back to pick up the win and why? Let us know your thoughts on this in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!
