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Islam Makhachev Calls Out Ilia Topuria for Ducking 'Toughest Test' Arman Tsarukyan

Originally posted on Total Apex Sports | By Fahad Hamid | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 10:55 AM ET

In the wild world of the UFC, where trash talk flows more freely than tap water, it’s rare for a comment to genuinely turn heads. But when the former pound-for-pound king, Islam Makhachev, decides to weigh in, you listen. And boy, did he have some choice words for the current lightweight champ, Ilia Topuria. Makhachev is stirring the pot, and frankly, we’re all here for the drama.

It seems Makhachev, never one to mince words, has accused Topuria of running scared from the number one contender, Arman Tsarukyan. And let’s be honest, he’s not just whispering it in the gym. He’s putting it on blast for the whole world to hear.

Is Makhachev Right About Topuria?

Let’s get into the spicy details. According to Makhachev, Topuria is actively avoiding a matchup with Tsarukyan, a fighter many believe is the most dangerous threat in the division. In a recent interview, Makhachev laid it all out: “It’s no secret that Ilia’s been ducking Arman. I’ve already seen some comments on the internet where he says, ‘I’d rather retire than fight Arman.’”

Wow. “I’d rather retire.” That’s not just avoiding a tough fight; that’s packing your bags and moving to a remote island to avoid the inevitable. Makhachev drove the point home, adding, “Arman has been on a good streak, and he must be the toughest test for the champion.”

He’s not wrong. Tsarukyan has been on a tear, and his relentless style is a nightmare for anyone. So, is Topuria really ducking him? The evidence is certainly piling up. Instead of facing the clear number one contender, Topuria has shown a peculiar interest in fighting… Paddy Pimblett. Yes, that Paddy Pimblett. While a fight with “The Baddy” would undoubtedly sell tickets and generate hype, it feels like a strategic sidestep from a much riskier fight. It’s like choosing to fight a particularly aggressive house cat when a hungry lion is waiting for you.

The Lightweight Division’s Game of Thrones

This whole situation has turned the lightweight division into a chaotic mess of call-outs, dodges, and what-ifs. Tsarukyan himself is getting tired of the runaround, taking to social media to tell Topuria to “stop running!” This whole drama is starting to echo the Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall saga, where a dominant champion seems uninterested in facing the most obvious and dangerous challenger. It’s a classic story, and fans are getting impatient.

Originally, Tsarukyan was slated to fight Islam Makhachev himself at UFC 311, but a back injury forced him out. In true Dana White fashion, the UFC boss declared that Tsarukyan now needs at least one more win to earn his title shot. It’s a tough pill to swallow for a guy who many feel has already done more than enough.

Meanwhile, Makhachev has his own fish to fry. He’s moved up to welterweight for a blockbuster fight against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. But that hasn’t stopped him from keeping a close eye on his old stomping grounds. He’s even dangled the possibility of dropping back down to “destroy” Topuria, just to add another layer of intrigue to this whole messy affair.

What’s Next for This Tangled Web?

With Makhachev preparing for his welterweight debut, he’s training under the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov. His coach, Javier Mendez, is oozing confidence, claiming Makhachev is the strongest lightweight he’s ever trained and is more than capable of handling the bigger guys at 170 pounds. A win against JDM would be massive, but a loss could send him tumbling down the welterweight ladder.

Back in the lightweight division, the future is anyone’s guess. If Topuria continues to swerve Tsarukyan, who will he fight? Justin Gaethje’s name is being thrown around, and that Paddy Pimblett fight still looms. It’s a frustrating situation for fans who want to see the best fight the best.

At the end of the day, Makhachev’s comments have poured gasoline on an already raging fire. He’s painted a target on Topuria’s back, branding him a champion who’s afraid of a real challenge. Whether it’s a calculated move to set up a future superfight or just a genuine opinion, it’s got the entire MMA community talking. And in the UFC, talk is never cheap. Now, all we can do is wait and see if Topuria steps up or if he continues to play this bizarre game of championship keep-away.

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

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