UFC Champion Ilia Topuria Sounds Off on Joe Rogan Podcast: Refuses to Fight Unless Dana White Books Islam Makhachev Dream Matchup
It's not uncommon for elite fighters to sit out and wait for the perfect matchup rather than take risky or less lucrative fights. This strategy often stems from a desire to secure a title shot, a big-money bout, or a legacy-defining clash that maximizes their earning potential and star power. While some fans criticize this approach as avoiding competition, fighters argue that their limited career windows demand smart business decisions. Promotions like the UFC sometimes push back, pressuring athletes to stay active, but high-profile stars often have the leverage to hold out for their ideal scenario. This waiting game creates tension between fighters, organizations, and fans.
Ilia Topuria appeared as a guest on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast and declared he is adamant that his next fight will be against UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, despite Makhachev's reluctance to face him.
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After vacating his featherweight title to move up to 155 pounds, Topuria expected an immediate shot at the belt. However, Makhachev has dismissed the idea, claiming a fight with someone from a lower weight class diminishes his accomplishments.
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'I would like to fight with Islam, that is for sure,' Topuria said. 'I wouldn't fight for a no. 1 contender fight. If Islam decides he doesn't want to fight me, I'll sit until you're gonna have to fight me.'
Undeterred, Topuria said that he will wait for the title fight, refusing to accept any other matchup.
Watch the full episode here:
The undefeated former featherweight champion criticized Makhachev, saying, 'You say you are a world champion, keep dominating the division, (and) all that. I'm here. You can't keep avoiding me all the time.' Topuria also claims the UFC promised him a title shot after he vacated his featherweight belt.
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Topuria believes the UFC will ultimately force Makhachev to accept the fight, as it's one of the biggest matchups the promotion can make. Topuria even asked Rogan if UFC CEO Dana White may have mentioned plans for the possible bout to take place during their conversation.
The potential clash between the dominant lightweight champion and the rising star would draw massive interest, given Topuria's undefeated record and knockout power. He has already proven himself at featherweight, most recently stopping Max Holloway to defend his title after dethroning Alexander Volkanovski in spectacular fashion.
Topuria is supremely confident in his abilities, and insists he would defeat Makhachev and take the lightweight belt. He even took a shot at Makhachev's mentor on social media, Khabib Nurmagomedov, claiming he knows the threat Topuria poses.
'Khabib knows I'm the one to take the belt from Islam,' Topuria said on X (formerly Twitter). 'Only reason he doesn't want Islam to fight me.'
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These bold statements from Topuria have continuously added fuel to the fire, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster showdown.
With Topuria unwilling to back down and Makhachev holding firm, the UFC may have to step in to settle the dispute. If the fight gets booked, it could headline a major pay-per-view, pitting two of the sport's most dominant forces against each other. For now, Topuria remains patient but resolute—his sights are set on Makhachev, and he won't accept anything less.
Related: UFC Champion Turns Down Superfight, Fans Sound Off
Related: 'This Picture Sums it All Up' Former Champion Posts Emotional Pic After Brutal UFC 314 Loss
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