Ilia Topuria’s “masterclass” has backed the UFC into a corner regarding the Islam Makhachev fight, claims MMA veteran
A UFC veteran recently appreciated the witty act performed by Ilia Topuria to secure a shot at Islam Makhachev's lightweight gold. During his recent appearance at a Madrid-based event, Topuria lauded the UFC brass' commitment to their promises, hoping they would do the same for his case.
'El Matador' said (via Championship Rounds on X):
"I’m not entirely sure what my next fight will be. The only thing I’m sure of is that the UFC’s word is that my next fight will be for the [lightweight] world title. That’s all I know… The belt will be on the line… That was the promise for leaving my [featherweight] title vacant. They’ve [the UFC authorities have] always kept their promises".
The Spaniard's approach impressed the former UFC lightweight Josh Thomson. In the latest episode of the WEIGHING IN podcast, Thomson labeled Topuria's words as a masterstroke that would pressurize the UFC to grant him his desired lightweight title shot:
"First, I want to say, it's a masterclass what Ilia did here. If you haven't figured this out or noticed this, [he said] '[The UFC brass have] always kept their promises'… I mean that's putting the ball in the UFC's court, saying, 'Hey you guys have made it public and you guys have always kept your promise.' And that's painting them into a corner saying, 'Sh*t, we need to deliver.' And if they don't deliver, then they've broken their promise."
Check out Josh Thomson's comments below (14:57)
Topuria believed he would be granted a lightweight title shot without much delay due to his dominant run at featherweight. The Spaniard defeated two former champions before relinquishing his featherweight title and moving to lightweight in the hunt for a shot at Makhachev's belt. However, the reigning lightweight champ denied the offer to fight Topuria unless the Spaniard first proved his worth in the division by defeating a noteworthy contender.
Ilia Topuria is also feuding with Charles Oliveira
Islam Makhachev declining Ilia Topuria's challenge may have prompted the UFC authorities to arrange a different rival for the Spaniard. However, several reports mentioned that former lightweight king Charles Oliveira also denied the UFC's offer to fight Topuria.
Topuria lost his cool after learning about Oliveira's pessimism toward fighting him. 'El Matador' provided the Brazilian with a harsh reality check, referring to the losses in his pro-MMA career. His X update read:
"Charles, it's better if you stay quiet. You have 10 losses: 5 by knockout, 4 by submission, and 1 by decision. You are the contender, while I am the champion, the father of the entire division. I haven't come here to ask anything. Here, I am the one in charge."