UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria (17-0) appeared on the Ariel Helwani Show and made a statement that sent shockwaves through the MMA world — he plans to beat Islam Makhachev by submission. On the very ground where Makhachev is considered the best in the world.
Why the Makhachev Fight Fell Apart
Topuria revealed how things unfolded behind the scenes. The UFC gave him two options for the White House event — Makhachev or Gaethje.
"We said we want Islam because it's a bigger fight. Then, the day before they were about to announce the event, they called me in the middle of the night and told me, 'Islam is injured.'"
Makhachev has a completely different version: "I'm tired of hearing made-up stories from Topuria and his team."
Why Submission
Topuria made what might be the boldest claim in recent UFC history:
"When I get the opportunity to fight someone, I always think about what I can do to really shock the world. With Islam, to shock the world, I have to submit him. And I think that's what's gonna happen."
The Third Belt
Topuria's plan is clear — Gaethje first, then Makhachev. If he beats both, he becomes champion in three different weight classes.
"My goal as a sportsman is always to achieve great things. What bigger thing can you achieve than collecting the third belt?"
Gaethje First
Before dreaming about Makhachev, Topuria has to get through Gaethje. According to BetMGM, Topuria is a -1000 favorite.
"If he's not going to start walking backward, I'm going to knock him out in the first round."
June 14, the White House, Washington D.C. One of the most ambitious events in UFC history — headlined by the Georgian-Spanish fighter.
