Ilia Topuria has delivered a stern warning to Islam Makhachev. Post the WOW 19 event in Alicante, the unbeaten fighter made one thing abundantly clear: once champion, Makhachev will have to wait his turn.
Topuria (16-0) will meet Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC lightweight title at UFC 317 on June 28 in Las Vegas. The bout tops International Fight Week and potentially makes him a champion in a second weight class, after featherweight.
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No Interest in Welterweight Chase
Islam Makhachev just officially made the jump to welterweight. He’s slated to face Jack Della Maddalena sometime later this year. That created a vacancy for a new lightweight monarch—and Topuria is looking for the crown.
Speaking at the post-fight presser, Topuria reacted to Makhachev’s previous remarks.
“From the beginning, he behaved like he was the boss,” Topuria said. “But who remained? Who’s competing for the belt? Me. And after this bout, when I possess the belt, he can join the queue.” He also clarified one thing—he won’t be following Makhachev. “I don’t pursue fighters that flee. If he returns to 155, he’ll have to work for it.”
Makhachev Fires Back
Makhachev, 27-1, wasn’t slow to react. In an interview last week, he wrote off Topuria as “just talk” and doubted his credentials at lightweight.
But Topuria’s CV is gathering speed. He defeated Alexander Volkanovski in early 2025 to win the featherweight crown, then targeted lightweight gold immediately.
A Fight Brewing for the Future
Topuria is not looking at Makhachev at the moment. His sole focus is to get the win at UFC 317. But fans and pundits are already dreaming of the fight.
Should Topuria become the champion and Makhachev come back, it could be one of the biggest UFC rivalries.
“When I’ve got the belt, I’ll be the one giving the orders,” Topuria said. “And if Islam Makhachev wants to have another go, he’ll have to wait his turn like everyone else.” For now, Las Vegas is the target for Topuria, but the message was sent—and the fight world took notice.
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