UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria stirred up major controversy yesterday with serious allegations against Usman Nurmagomedov, a rising star from Team Khabib. After accusing the Bellator lightweight champion of drug and steroid use, Topuria found himself in the crosshairs of Usman’s teammates, who swiftly came to his defense.
Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Tagir Ulanbekov, both key figures from Team Khabib, responded with fiery warnings, making it clear that Topuria’s words would not go unanswered. Abubakar took to Twitter with a cryptic yet threatening message, saying, “Ilia Topuria, why do you need all this? Fly to me, let’s rest on the shores of the Indian Ocean,” leaving little doubt about the dangerous undertone.
Tagir Ulanbekov, a UFC flyweight contender and close associate of Team Khabib, followed suit with an even harsher warning. In his tweet, Ulanbekov ominously advised Topuria to “find a good dentist,” suggesting the featherweight champion’s teeth might not survive their first encounter.
The feud initially began when Usman Nurmagomedov took a jab at Topuria, questioning whether the Spaniard had ever experienced a real street fight. Topuria quickly retaliated, hitting back with accusations of steroid use, referencing Usman’s past involvement with banned substances. He didn’t stop there, either—Topuria escalated the situation by calling out UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, expressing his eagerness to fight the Russian at 155 lbs.
Topuria’s ambitions seem to stretch beyond the featherweight division. Scheduled to defend his title against Max Holloway at UFC 308, the Spanish fighter is already eyeing a return to lightweight, a division where he’s competed before against Jai Herbert. Responding to a fan’s question online, Topuria confidently declared his intent to take on Makhachev:
“The truth is, of course I see myself fighting Islam Makhachev in the lightweight division. He’s a great fighter. Sometimes he talks too much, sometimes not. But we can always resolve it in the octagon. Not in the streets, because then I will have to pay for his medical bills.”
While Topuria’s confidence is undeniable, he must first face the formidable Max Holloway before his lightweight aspirations can become reality. Still, his warning to Makhachev suggests he’s ready to settle their differences, whether inside the cage or out.
