Latest news with #Georgian-Spanish
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Ilia Topuria faces ultimatum from rival ahead of potential UFC title clash
The Georgian-Spanish fighter won the lightweight title in June but has since faced calls to give up the title after brutally dismissing a top contender Ilia Topuria has been savagely told by Arman Tsarukyan to "give up the belt" after the lightweight champion snubbed the top contender. 'El Matador' stepped up to lightweight earlier this year and was instantly granted a crack at the vacant title after Islam Makhachev chose to relinquish the strap. The 28-year-old faced Charles Oliveira in the main event at UFC 317 back in June. The Georgian-Spanish fighter would go on to become a two-division champion after he flattened Oliveira inside the opening round. The drama didn't end there as Topuria's rival Paddy Pimblett was ringside for the event and instantly charged into the octagon. The pair then traded verbal blows before Topuria then pushed the Liverpudlian. It appeared like a bout between the two bitter enemies would be next, but UFC legend Chael Sonnen claimed that the promotion has different plans - and that Tsarukyan would be next for the champion, reports All Out Fighting. Nevertheless, Sonnen's remarks came just days after Topuria dismissed Tsarukyan and insists he would surrender the title if compelled to fight the Armenian. "If I'm the world champion, I'm never going to give him a chance," Topuria said on the Nelk Boys YouTube channel. "I will be like, 'Listen if that's the case, take my belt. I don't do it.'" The Armenian has been left furious by the champion's remarks and has since demanded the former featherweight king to surrender the title. During a press conference in Los Angeles, Tsarukyan responded to Topuria's recent comments. "If he feels he's going to lose that fight, it's better to give up the belt and go up, or wait for what happens with me," he retorted. "He knows I'm a big problem for him, and I'm going to get his title. He knows that, and he wants to get an easy fight with Paddy, Gaethje, or somebody [else]. Just make money and don't defend. But with me? It's going to be hard for him. "I already told them I'm ready in September, October, I train twice a day and I'm healthy now," Tsarukyan added. "But if they told me October with somebody [else], and then December with Ilia, sure! I'll fight [Dan Hooker], but my goal is a title fight, because I know I deserve it and I'm the number one contender." UFC legend Michael Bisping didn't hold back in his critique of lightweight champion Topuria, following the latter's recent comments. Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Bisping questioned: "Is Ilia Topuria pulling a Jon Jones? Because Arman Tsarukyan is a real threat to anybody, he is a tremendous fighter." He went on to commend Tsarukyan's abilities, stating: "I know a lot of people discredit him for pulling out at the last minute, and rightly so, that's not a good look. However, he's a really, really good fighter, simple as that. He can do it all. He's got the striking, the wrestling, the cardio, the strength. He's very young, he's in his prime. The man's an absolute monster. Ilia Topuria said if the UFC made him fight Arman Tsarukyan, he would vacate the belt." Bisping continued: "He wants nothing to do with Arman Tsarukyan. So now Arman Tsarukyan's out there, he's making videos of little ducks. He's doing a Tom Aspinall, taking a duck wherever he went with him. Remember that whole saga with Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall? But now we've got a new version. Now it's Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan. Arman Tsarukyan's even making a bet, offering him $500,000, half a million bucks if he beats him. Doing whatever he can to get the fight." When is Ilia Topuria's next fight? With Makhachev expected to compete at welterweight before potentially dropping back down to lightweight, it seems highly probable that Topuria will have one more bout before facing the Dagestani fighter. Supporters could witness 'El Matador' enter the octagon once more this year - with December being a realistic timeframe. Regarding who's next in line, that remains uncertain. Justin Gaethje appears to be a potential opponent and Topuria's manager Lukasz Orzel recently told Kanał Sportowy that the former interim champion is the "closest" to securing the bout. "Third belt is a matter of time. For now, we've given our word to the UFC that we will stay at lightweight," Orzel said. "We're waiting to see who comes up as the natural contender. We'd like to fight again this year. Gaethje is the closest, time will tell if it's him."
Economic Times
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Economic Times
UFC 317: Ilia Topuria warns Charles Oliveira, mocks Islam Makhachev with ‘ran away' comment
Ilia Topuria, the current UFC Featherweight Champion, is set to battle Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title at UFC 317 after Islam Makhachev's unexpected move to the welterweight division. Topuria has criticized Makhachev for allegedly avoiding a potential title fight, expressing his determination to seize the lightweight championship and achieve his dreams in the upcoming match against Oliveira. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Popular in International 1. Ash from Whakaari disrupts flights as volcanic unrest continues UFC superstar Ilia Topuria has taken a sly dig at Islam Makhachev while throwing a challenge at his new opponent Charles Oliveira , a former lightweight champion. Topuria will take on Oliveira to decide who takes the lightweight title at UFC 317 on June 28 during the UFC International Fight has been a UFC Featherweight Champion but decided to move up the weight ladder to fight against Makhachev for the lightweight title. And in a surprise move, Makhachev, too, decided to fight in a higher weight category. The 33-year-old Makhachev moved from the lightweight division where he is the top ranked fighter to the welterweight division to challenge the newly crowned champion Jack Della move from a division on Tuesday (May 13) where he is not only the number one fighter but also the champion did not go as per Topuria's plan to challenge him for the UFC lightweight as 'El Matador' Topuria, who is a Georgian-Spanish fighter, mocked Makhachev, stating he 'ran away' from the lightweight division. His fight against Brazil's Oliveira will be the second one for a world title in 2025.'On June 28, another dream will come true. I'll be the champion of the lightweight division. Charles, my apologies in advance… I'm just fighting for my dreams. It's unfortunate that Makhachev ran away. 17-0,' the 28-year Topuria has a 16-0 record as he comes into his 17 fight against the 35-year-old Oliveira. The fighter from Brazil is the more experienced one with 35 wins and 10 losses with one no contest.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
UFC 317: Ilia Topuria warns Charles Oliveira, mocks Islam Makhachev with ‘ran away' comment
UFC superstar Ilia Topuria has taken a sly dig at Islam Makhachev while throwing a challenge at his new opponent Charles Oliveira , a former lightweight champion. Topuria will take on Oliveira to decide who takes the lightweight title at UFC 317 on June 28 during the UFC International Fight week. Topuria has been a UFC Featherweight Champion but decided to move up the weight ladder to fight against Makhachev for the lightweight title. And in a surprise move, Makhachev, too, decided to fight in a higher weight category. The 33-year-old Makhachev moved from the lightweight division where he is the top ranked fighter to the welterweight division to challenge the newly crowned champion Jack Della Maddalena. Makhachev move from a division on Tuesday (May 13) where he is not only the number one fighter but also the champion did not go as per Topuria's plan to challenge him for the UFC lightweight title. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bank Owned Properties For Sale In Samarinda (Prices May Surprise You) Foreclosed Homes | Search ads Search Now Undo Known as 'El Matador' Topuria, who is a Georgian-Spanish fighter, mocked Makhachev, stating he 'ran away' from the lightweight division. His fight against Brazil's Oliveira will be the second one for a world title in 2025. 'On June 28, another dream will come true. I'll be the champion of the lightweight division. Charles, my apologies in advance… I'm just fighting for my dreams. It's unfortunate that Makhachev ran away. 17-0,' the 28-year Topuria posted. Live Events Topuria has a 16-0 record as he comes into his 17 fight against the 35-year-old Oliveira. The fighter from Brazil is the more experienced one with 35 wins and 10 losses with one no contest.
Express Tribune
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Conor McGregor needs to 'die and be born again,' says Ilia Topuria on JRE
Ilia Topuria has launched a scathing critique of Conor McGregor's lifestyle, claiming the former champion's path back to the UFC is all but closed unless he radically changes his life. Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience, both Rogan and Topuria expressed serious doubts over whether 'The Notorious' will ever fight again. UFC featherweight-turned-lightweight Ilia Topuria did not hold back when asked about the future of Conor McGregor. Appearing on Joe Rogan's podcast, Topuria and the veteran UFC commentator shared concerns about McGregor's prolonged absence from the Octagon and his off-the-cage lifestyle. 'If I had a bet, no,' said Rogan when asked about a possible return. 'If he really wanted to, he would have been back in the gym, had a fight scheduled, drug tested, clean, training, gone through a camp, had a fight.' McGregor's last scheduled bout, against Michael Chandler at UFC 303, fell through reportedly due to a broken toe. Rogan acknowledged the injury but questioned the Irishman's follow-through. 'Heal that toe. It's two months. But he didn't,' Rogan said. 'Constant partying. All these legal problems. Scooting around on yachts, driving Lamborghinis. He's wealthy.' Topuria added a blunt assessment of McGregor's current condition. 'His toe is f*****, his chin is f*****, his body is f*****,' he said. 'With that much parties and drugs and all that, you're gonna have to pay that price at some point… You are paying the price with your health which is the dumbest thing you can do in your entire life," said Topuria. Topuria, undefeated and fresh off a move to the lightweight division, has his eyes set on a title bout against Islam Makhachev. While comparisons to a younger McGregor persist, the Georgian-Spanish fighter made one thing clear: he considers his discipline and focus far superior. When discussing a potential matchup with McGregor, Topuria made one of the most biting remarks yet. 'It depends on who he is gonna face. Because if you put him against me, he needs to die and be born again.' While McGregor's name still draws headlines, figures like Rogan and Topuria now see his once-inevitable comeback as increasingly unlikely — unless he radically transforms both his health and commitment to fighting.
Express Tribune
17-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Ilia Topuria fires at Khabib Nurmagomedov, says he'll take Islam Makhachev's title
Ilia Topuria has declared himself the rightful challenger for Islam Makhachev's UFC lightweight title, firing back at Khabib Nurmagomedov for backing Arman Tsarukyan and accusing the MMA legend of protecting his longtime teammate. Topuria, the undefeated Georgian-Spanish fighter, made his stance clear after Nurmagomedov suggested Tsarukyan deserved the next title shot. The comments were made in the wake of Topuria voluntarily vacating his featherweight belt to move up to 155 pounds. 'Khabib knows I'm the one to take the belt from Islam,' Topuria posted on social media. 'Only reason he doesn't want Islam to fight me.' Khabib knows I'm the one to take the belt from Islam. Only reason he doesn't want Islam to fight me — Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) April 16, 2025 Topuria's recent résumé supports his claim. After starting his UFC career with six straight wins, including a lightweight victory over Jai Herbert, Topuria scored back-to-back knockouts of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 and Max Holloway at UFC 308. He became the first man to finish Holloway via strikes and the first to defeat Volkanovski in a featherweight contest. With Arman Tsarukyan missing his opportunity due to a back injury before UFC 311, Topuria's path to a title shot appears clearer. Tsarukyan, who previously lost to Makhachev in his UFC debut in 2019, had built a strong case with a 9-1 record since but must now wait after being forced to withdraw from his scheduled fight. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that Tsarukyan 'will have to fight his way back' into contention, possibly opening the door for Topuria's shot at gold. Topuria also appeared on the Joe Rogan podcast recently, where he stated he had no issues 'sitting out' and waiting for a title shot agains Makhachev. As for Makhachev, his next move could depend on the UFC 315 main event between welterweight champion Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena. Makhachev has previously expressed interest in moving up to welterweight to become a two-division champion but has hesitated due to his friendship with Muhammad. If Maddalena pulls off an upset, Makhachev could shift divisions, potentially vacating the lightweight title or leading to an interim bout. That scenario might see Topuria face another top contender for gold at 155 pounds. For now, Topuria has made it known he's ready—and willing—to challenge the reigning champion.
