UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov has ignited a firestorm with a scathing critique of Ilia Topuria’s recent challenge to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, declaring that the Spaniard “would be a nobody at 155!” The undefeated former lightweight king’s comments, made during a rare interview with RT Sport on May 7, have thrown fuel on the already heated rivalry ahead of a potential UFC 317 showdown on June 28.
Khabib’s Blunt Dismissal
Khabib, who retired with a perfect 29-0 record and mentored Makhachev to the title, didn’t hold back when addressing Topuria’s bold move to 155 pounds after vacating his featherweight belt. “Ilia talks big, but he’d be a nobody at 155,” Khabib said, his tone dripping with disdain. “He’s a good fighter at 145, but this is a different world—Islam will eat him alive with wrestling and size. He has no chance.” The Dagestani icon’s remarks come as Topuria (16-0) prepares to face Makhachev (27-1) in a title fight, a matchup Topuria has demanded despite lacking experience at the higher weight class.
Khabib’s critique centers on Topuria’s reliance on striking and his untested grappling defense against a wrestler of Makhachev’s caliber. Having trained Makhachev since childhood, Khabib emphasized his protégé’s dominance, pointing to Makhachev’s recent first-round submission of Renato Moicano at UFC 311 in January 2025. “Islam is a machine at 155,” Khabib added. “Topuria thinks he’s ready, but he’s dreaming.”
The Context of the Clash
Topuria’s confidence stems from his knockout victories over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway in 2024, which propelled him to vacate his 145-pound title and call out Makhachev. “I’ll finish Islam and take his belt,” Topuria declared in April, a statement that drew laughter from Makhachev’s camp. However, Khabib’s assessment aligns with concerns from analysts who note Topuria’s 5’6” frame and 70-inch reach may struggle against Makhachev’s 5’10” height and 70.5-inch reach, especially in grappling exchanges.
Fans on social media have mixed reactions, with posts found on X showing a split. One user wrote, “Khabib’s right—Topuria’s out of his depth at 155!” while another countered, “Ilia’s got the power to shock Islam—don’t count him out.” The tension escalated when Makhachev responded to Topuria’s challenge with, “I don’t want to fight Ilia because he’s a featherweight,” a comment Khabib echoed, suggesting the fight is a mismatch.
What Lies Ahead?
With UFC 317 fast approaching, Khabib’s slam has added a psychological edge to the buildup. Makhachev, who’s eyeing a welterweight move after this defense, sees Topuria as a tune-up, while Topuria views it as his chance to prove his doubters wrong. Khabib’s prediction of a one-sided affair has only heightened anticipation, with odds favoring Makhachev at -400. Whether Topuria can defy the Nurmagomedov narrative or fade into obscurity at 155 remains the burning question as the MMA world braces for this clash of eras.
