UFC: Topuria takes aim at Nurmagomedov, Makhachev

Former UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has fired shots at Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev this week in an attempt to secure an immediate title fight at 155 pounds.

The 28-year-old officially vacated his featherweight belt ahead of UFC 314 last Sunday (AEST), opting to move up to the lightweight division instead.

While his first fight in the heavier category is yet to be set, Topuria is eager to take on reigning champion Makhachev.

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Nurmagomedov is against the idea, however, with the retired lightweight — who often helps train Makhachev — previously suggesting that Arman Tsarukyan would be a more appropriate matchup for the incumbent.

But Topuria hit back at Nurmagomedov’s comments on Wednesday, implying that the Russian is looking to protect his friend.

“Khabib knows I’m the one to take the belt from Islam,” he wrote.

“Only reason he doesn’t want Islam to fight me.”

Several UFC betting sites are offering early odds on a Makhachev v Topuria clash, despite the bout not being official.

Makhachev is a heavy favourite to win, with top bookmakers pricing him at $1.25 compared to Topuria’s odds of $4.

Topuria also took aim at another lightweight this week, calling Paddy Pimblett a fighter that he would not suggest others try to learn from.

“I would never recommend to someone, ‘Watch this guy and learn something’,” Topuria said after Pimblett’s victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314.

“You see almost a bar fight.

“You see two guys in the middle of the octagon exchanging punches, but you don’t see technique. You don’t see skills.

“You don’t see someone trying to take you down, control you, some great submissions, great transitions, striking, or see a guy that’s looking for combinations, looking for his moment, creating spaces.”

Pimblett is another potential opponent for Topuria’s first fight in the lightweight division, with a long history of niggle between the two.

The Brit moved up to No.8 in the UFC lightweight rankings after his third-round knockout of Chandler, having been priced as a $1.65 favourite by BetOnline.

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