Topuria's Manager Blasts Abdelaziz Over Nurmagomedov Claims

Malki Kawa has fired back at Ali Abdelaziz after the rival manager suggested Usman Nurmagomedov would beat Ilia Topuria in a potential matchup.

Abdelaziz made the comments following Nurmagomedov's first-round knockout of Archie Colgan at PFL New York, where the undefeated Russian extended his record to 22-0 and retained his lightweight title. During an appearance on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Abdelaziz claimed Nurmagomedov would force Topuria to quit, per Sherdog.

Kawa Predicts Topuria Would Dominate Abdelaziz Roster

Kawa responded with a social media post defending his client and dismissing the entire Dominance MMA stable. He said Topuria would beat every fighter Abdelaziz represents, including a rematch against Justin Gaethje, who handed the Georgian-Spaniard his first career loss at UFC Freedom 250. The manager also reaffirmed his belief that Topuria remains the top fighter in the sport despite the setback at the White House event.

Kawa promised a dominant return for Topuria regardless of the opponent. He said fans would witness a different performance when his client steps back into the cage, naming Paddy Pimblett, Islam Makhachev, Nurmagomedov and Gaethje as potential challengers who would all fall short.

Topuria has not announced his next fight since the loss to Gaethje earlier this year.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Ilia Topuria's manager has words for Ali Abdelaziz