Ilia Topuria Makes Peace With Missing Out on Islam Makhachev Superfight

Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev (Image Credits: Imagn)

Ilia Topuria Makes Peace With Missing Out on Islam Makhachev Superfight

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated May 27, 2026 4:27 AM ET

Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev had been trash-talking each other, and everyone thought they had become rivals. Fans and MMA stars even claimed their fight would generate the same level of hype as the Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov fight. Meanwhile, Topuria made peace with Makhachev and cooled down all the hype.

The lightweight champion said he didn’t need a fight with the welterweight champion to feel fulfilled with his career. “El Matador” believed he had already done enough, while also acknowledging how massive the matchup would be for the UFC. Talking about it during an interview with VicBlends, Topuria said:

“For me personally, it wouldn’t change anything. I don’t hate Islam Makhachev. I don’t have anything personal against him. He’s achieved great things in the sport, he’s a double champ like me, and if you do me and Islam, it will be one of the biggest fights in UFC history.”

Ilia Topuria says nothing changes for him if the Islam Makhachev fight never happens

“For me personally, it wouldn’t change anything. I don’t hate Islam Makhachev. I don’t have anything personal against him. He’s achieved great things in the sport, he’s a double champ like… pic.twitter.com/sbAoumKVTP
— FREAK.MMA (@FREAKMMA1) May 27, 2026

Topuria added that a clash between them would likely become one of the biggest fights in UFC history, but insisted his legacy didn’t depend on it happening. Meanwhile, the Spanish fighter is focused on the White House card and gave an insight into his plans against Justin Gaethje. However, things got heated between Topuria and Josh Hokit during the White House press conference.

Ilia Topuria Reacts to His Heated Moment With Josh Hokit

Ilia Topuria stood up for Alex Pereira during the White House press conference after Josh Hokit allegedly made disrespectful comments about Pereira’s family. Topuria stepped in and fired a bottle cap at Hokit, landing it perfectly. Talking about it in an interview with CCLegaspi, the 29-year-old said:

“That’s why I’m the best in the world. It would be bad if I were not sharp. I really have no idea who [Hokit] is. Don’t even know where he appeared from. I know that he is rude.”

This created one of the most viral moments from the event. Topuria also completely dismissed Hokit, claiming he barely knew who Hokit was before the altercation. Meanwhile, the lightweight champion remained focused on his upcoming title defense against Justin Gaethje.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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