Morning Report: Ilia Topuria takes aim at Islam Makhachev for ‘showing signs of fear’

Ilia Topuria is ramping up the trash talk.

Earlier this year, Topuria vacated his featherweight title to move up to the 155-pound weight class in pursuit of a second belt. It was a shocking move from the 28-year-old Spanish fighter and one that many fans thought meant Topuria would be receiving an immediate lightweight title shot.

Unfortunately for Topuria, that hasn’t happened yet. Lightweight champion and top pound-for-pound fighter Islam Makhachev wants Topuria to earn a lightweight title shot instead of being given one just for moving up, and Topuria seems to not like that. Speaking with reporters recently, Topuria all but called Makhachev a chicken as the top two pound-for-pound fighters continue to circle each other.

“I’m preparing for Islam Makhachev,” Topuria said (h/t Alvaro Colmenero). “All my training is focused on Islam or Charles because I don’t see any other contenders. So I have those two names in mind. Neither of them want to step up.

“They say champs fight whoever they’re told to and then they say he’s too small to fight. I switch weight classes, they say I’m small now. Then they say I haven’t earned it yet. Well, these are signs of fear, we all know it. But it’s normal, I’d be scared too.”

Topuria is currently the No. 2-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the world in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings and won Fighter of the Year honors for his impressive 2024 campaign. However, Topuria only has one title defense to his name, meaning he’s not the sort of long-reigning champion that is typically rewarded with automatic title shots when changing weight classes.

Makhachev, meanwhile, is currently the UFC’s longest-reigning champion, with four successful title defenses under his belt, a lightweight record. He recently submitted short-notice replacement Renato Moicano at UFC 311 in January, and has spoken frequently about wanting his own opportunity to move up and pursue a title in a second weight class.

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Between the Links.

Reiner de Ridder interview.

Promo for Saturday’s main event.

Daniel Cormier sits down with Brandon Moreno.

BKFC prelims.

Call out.

Sean O’Malley keeping up with the latest memes and taking a dig at Ashton Hall.

Magomed Ankalaev is upset with Alex Pereira.

Man, Kamaru Usman hasn’t fought in ages.

Farewell.

Sounds like Nathaniel Wood isn’t happy about not being ranked.

Man aged like a fine wine.

Zac Pauga knows.

Of course I believe that Islam Makhachev, the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world, is afraid to fight someone. It’s definitely not that he already fought the featherweight champion twice and doesn’t want to do that again, especially when this featherweight champion has one title defense to his name and bailed on his weight class instead of defend against the numerous contenders still there. Yep, that’s what’s going on here. I have the brain power of a stewed potato.

Anyway, UFC Mexico should be a good time. Enjoy!

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