Latest news with #Topuria
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ilia Topuria Sends a Blistering Warning to Rising UFC Star
Ilia Topuria Sends a Blistering Warning to Rising UFC Star originally appeared on Athlon Sports. As UFC 317 inches closer, the spotlight intensifies on Ilia Topuria, who is preparing for what many believe will be his toughest test yet—a title bout against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. Scheduled for June 28 in Las Vegas, the undefeated featherweight champion is set to challenge for the lightweight crown straight away, a bold move on its own. But outside the Octagon, Topuria has turned his attention toward a rising UFC name who isn't even on the card. Advertisement The feud between Topuria and Pimblett is heating up fast. Both have had words for each other in the past. In a recent interview with ESPN Deportes, Topuria didn't hold back: 'Sometimes he flies under the radar, but have you noticed? He's another hypocrite—I'm telling you. I remember once we shared a press conference, and he told me something like, 'Oh look, I'm fighting on the main card and you're on the prelims'—some nonsense like that. And now I ask myself… I've got two belts—where is he? Who the f** is Paddy Pimblett right now? And why would he deserve to fight me?'* Ilia TopuriaGetty Images Topuria didn't stop there: 'Honestly, I can't stand the guy. If I could choose one fight, I'd fight him because people really dislike him. He's awful. It's like you shake his hand and he tries to bite it… Two people who really want to beat each other up. And what better than doing that in front of everyone and giving them a show?' Paddy PimblettGetty Images Pimblett, for his part, most recently made comments about Topuria during an appearance on the TNT Sports. He said: 'All his opponents on the bounce—Holloway just been fighting at 155, had to get back to 45 and had a war with Gaethje who had just been knocked out like two or three months earlier. Josh is like 37. Bryce—love him—but he's not a striker. Fought that Gracie... like, most of his fights coming up, you can compare them to my fights. People rag on my opponents too, you know what I mean?' Pimblett added: 'I don't think he beat Volk if Volk hadn't been knocked out three months previous. I think that's one of the reasons he moved to lightweight—because he didn't want the rematch with Volk' With UFC 317 scheduled for June 28, Topuria's immediate focus remains on Oliveira. But if he emerges victorious, there's no shortage of potential challengers. Justin Gaethje has already made it clear he wants the next title shot. However, a grudge match against Pimblett—with the bad blood already spilling—could draw even more fan interest. Either way, Topuria has options, and they're all high-stakes. Advertisement Related: New Court Ruling Adds to Ongoing Legal Struggles for BJ Penn: Report Related: 'He Will Never Lose Again' – Hall of Fame Trainer Sounds Off on Merab Dvalishvili's Relentless Rise This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Team Makhachev Reveals UFC's Power Play to Elevate Ilia Topuria
Team Makhachev Reveals UFC's Power Play to Elevate Ilia Topuria originally appeared on Athlon Sports. As Islam Makhachev gears up for a move to welterweight, questions surrounding his lightweight exit continue to stir. Many expected him to face the rising Ilia Topuria in a blockbuster title clash—but that fight never materialized. Now, a new revelation from within Makhachev's camp offers a deeper look into why the bout was bypassed. Advertisement In a conversation captured by Adam Zubayraev and shared by Red Corner MMA, Umar Nurmagomedov—Makhachev's teammate—shared surprising insight. Islam MakhachevGetty Images He revealed that UFC executive Hunter Campbell traveled to Dagestan to personally convince Makhachev to move up in weight so that Topuria could take over as the new lightweight champion. 'He [Hunter] came to see Islam, and they wanted Islam to move up. They want to make Topuria the champ at 155. They believe he can really sell fights,' Umar said. 'Islam doesn't want to give up his belt — he wants to fight at 155 too. Islam can take the 170 title, then return to 155 and hold both belts.' The comments have left fans confused and speculating about UFC's intentions. One post summed it up: 'Lemme get this straight … Hunter came to Dagestan to convince Makhachev to go up? But not fight the BIGGEST FIGHT the UFC can make with him and Topuria?' Others questioned the terms: 'Seems like Makhachev declined the fight then was FORCED to go up…' 'Islam isn't active enough to defend both and I'm sure they gave him a choice either vacate and move up or stay at 155 and fight Topuria'. With tensions simmering between both camps and the storyline only heating up, fans can only hope the fight eventually gets made. When the dust settles on UFC 317—and again when Makhachev squares off with Jack Della Maddalena—we might finally get some clarity. If the stars align, maybe Dana White and the UFC will circle back to the lightweight showdown fans actually want. Until then, all we can do is watch, wait, and keep the Twitter fingers ready. Advertisement Related: Ilia Topuria Sends a Blistering Warning to Rising UFC Star Related: UFC Champion Shares Hard Truth About Jon Jones: 'It's a Responsibility' This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Charles Oliveira: UFC 317 title win over Ilia Topuria 'is already written'
Charles Oliveira: UFC 317 title win over Ilia Topuria 'is already written' Charles Oliveira firmly believes the champion will once again have a name after he dispatches Ilia Topuria at UFC 317. Oliveira (35-10 MMA, 23-10 UFC) has the chance to become the first two-time titleholder in lightweight history when he takes on former featherweight champ Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) in the International Fight Week headliner on June 28 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (ESPN+ pay-per-view). Many were hopeful that Topuria's move up would come against Islam Makhachev, who instead vacated to move up to welterweight and face Jack Della Maddalena. That left the need for someone to fight for the vacant strap, and Oliveira finds himself back in a familiar spot. It will be a record third time Oliveira has fought for vacant gold in his UFC tenure, with previous bouts coming against Makhachev and Michael Chandler. Even if he's not fighting to take the belt off someone, it's special nevertheless. "It's a title fight in the end – it doesn't matter if there's a champion or there isn't one," Oliveira told MMA Junkie through an interpreter on Wednesday. "It's a title fight, and you've got to go in there and win. It's for sure (exciting), especially the hype that he's coming with. He's undefeated. It's something that makes it even more exciting." Since Topuria first broached the topic of giving up his 145-pound belt and moving up to 155 pounds in February, Oliveira has only shown respect toward "El Matador." That hasn't been reciprocated in the lead up to UFC 317, however, with Topuria taking shots at Oliveira's fighting skills and intelligence. The Brazilian feels the disrespect, and he plans some redemption of his own on fight night. "He has definitely not treated me with the same respect," Oliveira said. "I don't know (why). He's been saying a lot, but the fact of the matter is we're going to find out on June 28. Everyone knows who the real the champion is." Oliveira said his one interaction with Topuria at UFC 312 in Sydney was pleasant and uneventful, with the pair even posing for a photo together. But now, when they finally get face-to-face for a staredown at Thursday's pre-event press conference, they will find out "who the real one is." Oliveira, 35, is arguably the most decorated fighter in UFC history. He holds a plethora of all-time records including most stoppage wins, most submission wins and most fight-night bonuses, and now he's on the doorstep of entrenching himself further in the record books against who many see as the UFC's next rising star in Topuria. "I just want to win," Oliveira said. "It's meant to be. It's already written."
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Paddy Pimblett calls for Ilia Topuria fight as UFC star vows to end heated feud
After Topuria decided to move up to lightweight and become a two-division champion, Pimblett is eager to settle their bitter feud once and for all Paddy Pimblett has confidently promised to stop long-time rival Ilia Topuria wherever 'the fight goes' amid talks of a showdown between the pair. Pimblett, 30, is widely regarded as one of the biggest names in the sport. Still undefeated in the UFC, the Liverpudlian is ranked eighth in the lightweight rankings. 'The Baddy' continues to rise up the division and - earlier this year - picked up the biggest win of his career. Back in April, Pimblett scored a stunning knockout victory over former Bellator lightweight champion, Michael Chandler. Many believe the 30-year-old is at least one win away from competing for a world title. Over the last few years, Pimblett has gone back-and-forth verbally with Topuria. After almost clashing at a fighter hotel in London back in 2022, the pair have talked about a potential fight in the near future. With Topuria now moving up to 155lbs, a clash between the two could come sooner than expected. 'El Matador' is scheduled to face Charles Oliveira for the vacant title next weekend - with Pimblett set to be cageside for the mouthwatering clash. Should the former featherweight champion come away unscathed and with his hand raised, Pimblett can see him fighting for the belt next. In an interview with on behalf of All Out Fighting, he said: "If Ilia wins, I can see me fighting for the belt next. I'd never usually have said that if it was anyone else, as I'm only ranked 7, but the fact that he keeps talking about me and saying things about me, he's basically telling the world he wants to fight me. "I'm going to be there in Las Vegas on June 29 cage side. If he mentions me, I'll be getting pulled into the cage and I'll be laughing my head off. It'll be quite funny." Regarding how a potential clash between the pair would play out, 'The Baddy' fully believes that he will topple Topuria and settle their bitter feud once and for all. "I'd beat him just like I beat Michael Chandler," he continued. "Ilia thinks he'll knock me out, but he won't get close to me. I wouldn't let him get in range, I'd kick him everywhere and more than likely T/KO him with a punch or a kick. I could even ground him and stop him that way. "I think people overestimate Ilia. He's had a good run, I'm not saying he hasn't, but Jai Herbert hit him with a head kick a few fights ago and he almost didn't survive that. If Jai would have been a bit quicker after he dropped him, he would have finished him. He was very, very lucky to survive that. I'm a lot bigger than Jai, if I'd have hit him with that head kick, I'm snapping his chin, never mind knocking him out. "He's overestimated and had a nice easy run up the featherweight division. I know everyone says that about me, that I've fought people at the right time, and I probably have, but he's fought everyone at not just the right time, but the perfect time. I'd beat Ilia however the fight goes, and whenever it happens." If it is not Topuria next, Pimblett revealed he is open to taking on former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje in October. However, the American's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, recently claimed that his star client could walk away from the UFC if he does not fight for the title next. Reacting to Abdelaziz's comments, Pimblett did not mince his words, but has the utmost respect for Gaethje amid talks of a potential clash. "His manager talks s***. His manager is the craziest helmet in all of MMA, and that's saying something because there are a lot of helmets in the sport. It's a load of shit. It's scare tactics into giving him a title shot - I don't believe any of it. "I respect Gaethje, he's a brilliant fighter, but he's just beat the no.12 ranked fighter by decision, whereas I've just knocked out the no.7. I stopped Chandler in round 3, Gaethje couldn't even finish him. He had to take him to a decision."
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Paddy Pimblett reveals 'hatred' for Ilia Topuria as pair's rivalry reignites
The pair's rivalry is at risk at boiling over after Topuria - who fights for the vacant lightweight title this month - recently aimed a furious dig at the Brit Paddy Pimblett reveals he has a 'genuine hatred' for Ilia Topuria after the latter branded the Liverpudlian as a 'hypocrite.' Over the past few years, the pair have traded barbs on social media on multiple occasions. Pimblett and Topuria nearly came to blows in London back in 2022 after Topuria confronted 'The Baddy' over comments he made about his fellow Georgians. That said, the two stars shared a quick embrace during the UFC's most recent trip to London in March - much to the surprise of many. That did not last long, though, as 'El Matador' recently revealed he still dislikes the British sensation. In an interview with ESPN Deportes, Topuria said: 'He's a hypocrite. I'll tell you, I remember we shared a press conference once, and he said something like, 'I'm fighting in the main card, and you're on the prelims,' some kind of nonsense. "And now I'm thinking, I have two belts. Where are you? Who the f**k is Paddy Pimblett right now and why would he deserve to fight me right now?" Unsurprisngly, the 28-year-old's comments quickly went viral and found their way to Pimblett - who did not hold back in his response. Speaking to on behalf of All Out Fighting, he said: "I've got a genuine hatred for Topuria; I think he's a b*****. I'm not in denial, I still think he's a good fighter, but I know that I'd beat him. Why did he call me a hypocrite? Is it because I called him a little fat midget? He's about 5ft 6in and can't make featherweight. "I don't know how he can keep calling me fat. He's f****** tiny but can't even make featherweight. I make weight every time, I don't miss my weights. Call me fat all you want; I don't give a f***. I like to enjoy my life. You're only fat if you can't make your weight division anymore." Pimblett well and truly announced himself on the world stage in his last outing against Michael Chandler. The Liverpudlian dominated from start to finish - knocking out the American in the third round. Now ranked in the top ten at lightweight, a showdown between Pimblett and Topuria could finally take place sooner rather than later. Topuria is set to fight Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title next weekend after Islam Makhachev vacated the belt in favour of a move up to welterweight. Sharing his thoughts on the upcoming clash in Las Vegas, Pimblett said: "I hate making fight predictions; I know better than anyone, once you're in the cage and the door shuts, anything can happen. If Ilia wins, I think he has to knock Charles out. That's Ilia's only route to victory, catching him on the chin. Charles is a bit 'chinny' these days, he's had a lot of fights and got some wear and tear on his body. "Ilia has power, but Charles has the experience. Max Holloway had a lot of wear and tear before Ilia knocked him out, so did Alexander Volkanovski, and he'd just been knocked out three or four months earlier. The fight could pan out in his favour, but I could also see Charles using his size and submitting him or getting a decision by frustrating him for a couple of rounds. It's probably a genuine 50/50 fight for me; I can't really pick a winner. I'm a fan of Charles, even though I want to fight him. I've always been a big fan of his."
