Ilia Topuria Knocks Out Islam Makhachev in 2 Rounds Before UFC 317, Causing Makhachev to Lose an Estimated $35 Million

Ilia Topuria’s Vicious Threat: ‘I’ll Make Islam Makhachev Beg’ – UFC Fans Stunned by Brutal War of Words!

Ilia Topuria, the undefeated featherweight champion, has rapidly become one of the most feared names in the UFC. With a record of dominant performances and electrifying finishes, Topuria’s name commands attention. After dethroning Alexander Volkanovski in February 2024 with a brutal knockout, Topuria didn’t hesitate to stake his claim beyond the featherweight division.From the outset, Topuria made it clear he has his eyes set on two things: legacy and dominance. “I’m not here to just hold one belt,” he declared. “I want to prove I’m the best across divisions.” His blend of precision striking, relentless pressure, and composure inside the Octagon has made comparisons to greats like Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov inevitable.
Islam Makhachev: The lightweight empire

On the other side of this brewing storm stands Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion and protégé of Khabib. Known for his suffocating grappling, elite fight IQ, and calm demeanor, Makhachev has dominated the 155-pound division since capturing the belt from Charles Oliveira in 2022. With back-to-back wins over top contenders like Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski, Makhachev has cemented his status as the pound-for-pound king in many fans’ eyes.
However, unlike his mentor Khabib, Makhachev hasn’t been immune to criticism. Some fans have accused him of avoiding high-risk matchups and not being as active as expected. And now, Topuria’s challenge has struck a nerve.

Bold words from Topuria ignite UFC feud
When Topuria unleashed the now-viral quote—”I’ll make Islam Makhachev beg”—during a fiery Spanish-language interview, the MMA world erupted. Twitter, Reddit, and fight forums buzzed with reactions. Was it pure confidence or reckless provocation?

Topuria elaborated: “Islam is a strong fighter, but he’s never faced someone like me. I hit harder, I move faster, and I fight with heart. When we meet, he’ll regret ever doubting me. I promise you, I’ll make him beg.”

The quote wasn’t just a shot at Makhachev’s skillset—it was a psychological warhead aimed at the Dagestani’s pride and legacy.

Fan and fighter reactions explode

The response from the UFC fanbase was immediate and intense. Some hailed Topuria’s boldness, calling it the kind of swagger the sport needs. Others labeled it disrespectful, especially toward a champion like Makhachev who has consistently performed at an elite level.

UFC veteran Michael Bisping weighed in: “Topuria is fearless, and that’s what makes him dangerous. But you don’t poke the bear unless you’re ready to deal with it. Islam isn’t the type to let this slide.”

Even fighters like Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje commented. Poirier tweeted, “That’s some serious heat. If it happens, I’m watching.” Gaethje chimed in with a more cautious take: “Topuria better work on his takedown defense.”

Dana White’s dilemma and potential superfight

Now UFC President Dana White finds himself in a strategic quandary. On one hand, he has a red-hot featherweight champion willing to move up. On the other, a lightweight champion who’s expressed interest in defending his title against real contenders.

White hasn’t confirmed anything, but in a recent media scrum he hinted, “When two stars want to fight and the fans are screaming for it, you know what we do. We make it happen.”

While Topuria vs. Max Holloway at featherweight was initially being considered, the magnitude of a Topuria vs. Makhachev showdown has shifted priorities in the matchmaking room. The UFC rarely gets a chance to promote a true superfight between two active champions in their prime. This could be a main event at a major pay-per-view or even a stadium event.

Tactical breakdown: styles make fights

This potential fight isn’t just about hype—the matchup is absolutely fascinating from a stylistic standpoint.

Ilia Topuria’s boxing and finishing power could pose a serious threat to Makhachev’s stand-up game. His ability to close distance, counterstrike, and capitalize on mistakes makes him lethal in exchanges. Meanwhile, Topuria’s underrated jiu-jitsu may surprise those expecting a one-dimensional striker.

On the flip side, Islam Makhachev’s grappling and pressure are the gold standard. If he can get Topuria to the ground and impose his control, it could turn into a long night for the featherweight champ. Makhachev has shown the ability to nullify aggressive strikers, as seen in his performances against Oliveira and Volkanovski.

What happens to the divisions?

If the fight happens, it will shake up both the lightweight and featherweight divisions. Topuria would likely vacate or put his 145-pound title on hold, allowing contenders like Max Holloway, Movsar Evloev, and Brian Ortega to battle for interim status. At lightweight, Makhachev defending against a featherweight champ could delay fights with Justin Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, and Charles Oliveira.

But the UFC loves spectacle. And if the demand is there, they won’t hesitate.

Topuria’s masterclass in self-promotion

There’s no denying that Ilia Topuria’s marketing instincts are elite. He’s mastered the art of saying just enough to stir the pot without crossing into outright disrespect. His Spanish heritage, charisma, and undefeated record make him a marketing dream. Add in this rivalry with Makhachev, and you’ve got a storyline that sells itself.

By targeting Makhachev, Topuria is positioning himself as the new face of the UFC. And win or lose, his stock will rise simply for stepping into the arena against the pound-for-pound king.

Islam’s quiet but dangerous response

While Makhachev hasn’t publicly fired back with his own trash talk, sources close to his camp have indicated he’s fully aware of Topuria’s comments. “Let him talk. We’ll see when the cage door closes,” one of Makhachev’s coaches reportedly told ESPN.

The silence from Makhachev might actually be more chilling than a war of words. Known for his composure and deadly efficiency, Makhachev has never needed to talk to gain respect. He lets his performances speak.

Could this fight really happen?

Yes, and it might happen sooner than many expect. UFC 306 or UFC 307 are being whispered as possible landing spots, depending on fighter availability and venue logistics. T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas or Madison Square Garden in New York are frontrunners.

For fans, this is a dream fight. For the UFC, it’s a goldmine. For Topuria and Makhachev, it’s legacy-defining.

The verdict: battle for generational supremacy
More than belts, this fight is about power, pride, and generational supremacy. Topuria represents the new wave: fast, fearless, and social media savvy. Makhachev is the heir to a dynasty, a grappling machine, and the current embodiment of Dagestani dominance.

Whether Topuria can back up his brutal words remains to be seen. But the stage is set. The lines are drawn. And if this war of words leads to war in the cage, fans are in for a historic clash.

Because when Ilia Topuria says he’ll make Islam Makhachev beg, he’s not just talking trash. He’s calling for a legacy fight that could define the next era of the UFC.