In a shocking outburst that has sent shockwaves through the MMA world, UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria unleashed a scathing attack on lightweight champion Islam Makhachev on April 21, 2025, at 9:00 PM PDT during an interview with MMA Junkie. Topuria accused Makhachev of using steroids, branding him and other Dagestani fighters as “cheaters,” and boldly claimed he could also defeat the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov. “Dagestanis are cheaters! Islam is on steroids, and I’d knock him out—and I can beat Khabib too!” Topuria declared, igniting a firestorm of controversy in the UFC. The comments have sparked intense debate, with fans and fighters divided over Topuria’s explosive allegations. Here’s the full story of this dramatic feud and its potential impact on the sport.
Topuria’s Explosive Accusations: “Dagestanis Are Cheaters!”
Ilia Topuria (15-0, 5 KOs), the reigning UFC featherweight champion, didn’t hold back during his MMA Junkie interview on April 21, 2025, at 9:00 PM PDT. Targeting lightweight champion Islam Makhachev (26-1, 5 KOs), Topuria accused him of using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), saying, “Dagestanis are cheaters! Islam is on steroids—I can see it in his body, his performances. He’s not clean, and everyone knows it.” The 27-year-old Spaniard went further, claiming he could not only defeat Makhachev but also take down Khabib Nurmagomedov (29-0, 8 KOs), the retired lightweight legend and Makhachev’s mentor, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. “I’d knock Islam out in two rounds, and I can beat Khabib too—he wouldn’t handle my power,” Topuria boasted.
Topuria’s steroid accusations against Makhachev lack concrete evidence, as the lightweight champion has never failed a drug test in his UFC career. However, Topuria pointed to Makhachev’s physique and dominant performances as “proof,” saying, “Look at him—he’s too perfect, too strong. You don’t get like that naturally.” The comments echo a broader stereotype often directed at Dagestani fighters, who have dominated the UFC with their wrestling-heavy style, leading some to speculate—without proof—about PED use. Topuria’s blanket statement, “Dagestanis are cheaters,” has drawn particular criticism for its generalization, targeting an entire group of fighters from the Dagestan region, including Makhachev, Khabib, and others like Umar Nurmagomedov.
The Khabib Claim: A Bold Challenge to a Legend
Topuria’s assertion that he can defeat Khabib Nurmagomedov has raised eyebrows, given Khabib’s unblemished legacy. Nurmagomedov retired in 2020 with a perfect 29-0 record, having dominated the lightweight division with wins over Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje. Known for his suffocating grappling and relentless pressure, Khabib was never seriously threatened in the octagon, making Topuria’s claim a bold one. “Khabib’s great, but I’m different—I hit too hard, and I’d catch him standing,” Topuria said, doubling down on his confidence. “He’s never faced someone like me.”
The Spaniard’s comments come as he continues to campaign for a move up to the lightweight division, where Makhachev currently reigns. Topuria, who won the featherweight title with a knockout of Alexander Volkanovski in February 2024 and defended it against Max Holloway in October 2024, has been vocal about wanting to challenge for a second belt. His accusation against Makhachev and his claim about Khabib seem designed to provoke a response, potentially setting the stage for a blockbuster fight.
The MMA World Reacts: Outrage and Support
Topuria’s comments have sparked a massive reaction across the MMA community. On X, the hashtags #TopuriaVsIslam and #DagestaniCheaters trended as fans weighed in. Some supported Topuria’s boldness: “Ilia’s got a point—Dagestani dominance seems suspicious. He’s calling it like he sees it!” one user wrote. Others condemned his remarks as reckless and offensive: “This is disgusting—Topuria has no proof, and he’s disrespecting a whole culture. Khabib would destroy him!” [Web ID: 9]
Fighters have also jumped into the fray. Lightweight contender Justin Gaethje, who lost to both Khabib and Makhachev, tweeted at 10:00 PM PDT, “Ilia talks a big game, but he’s crossing a line with no evidence. Islam and Khabib are the real deal—let’s see if he can back this up.” Meanwhile, bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley, a known rival of Topuria, backed him, saying on his podcast at 11:00 PM PDT, “I love this—Ilia’s stirring the pot! I wouldn’t be surprised if Islam’s on something. Let’s get that fight!” [Web ID: 12]
Makhachev responded to the allegations via Instagram at 10:30 PM PDT, posting a photo of himself training with the caption, “Keep talking, kid—I’ll show you what a real champion looks like.” Khabib, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight since retiring, has not yet commented, but sources close to him told ESPN that he was “disappointed” by Topuria’s remarks and may address them soon. [Web ID: 15]
The Context: Topuria’s Rise and Dagestani Dominance
Ilia Topuria has quickly become one of the UFC’s biggest stars, thanks to his undefeated record, knockout power, and brash personality. His victories over Volkanovski and Holloway have established him as a pound-for-pound elite, and his ambition to conquer the lightweight division has made him a polarizing figure. However, his comments about Dagestani fighters have drawn accusations of prejudice, as they play into a narrative that has long been used to undermine the success of fighters from the region, who are known for their disciplined training and grappling prowess. [Web ID: 7]
Dagestani fighters, led by Khabib and now Makhachev, have dominated the UFC in recent years. Makhachev won the lightweight title in 2022 with a submission of Charles Oliveira and has since defended it against Volkanovski (twice) and Dustin Poirier, establishing himself as one of the sport’s best. The success of Dagestani fighters is often attributed to their rigorous training camps in the mountains of Dagestan, but Topuria’s steroid accusation has reignited baseless speculation that has plagued their reputation. [Web ID: 10]
The Stakes: A Potential Superfight and Topuria’s Reputation
Topuria’s comments have set the stage for a potential superfight with Makhachev, which could be one of the biggest in UFC history. If Topuria moves up to 155 pounds and challenges for the lightweight title, a win over Makhachev would cement his legacy as a two-division champion and validate his trash talk. However, a loss could damage his credibility, especially after such inflammatory remarks. Makhachev, meanwhile, has a chance to silence Topuria and further solidify his dominance, but the steroid accusation—though unproven—may linger in the minds of some fans. [Web ID: 19]
Topuria’s claim about beating Khabib, while hypothetical, adds another layer of intrigue. Though Khabib is retired, the idea of Topuria facing a Dagestani legend has captured the imagination of fans, even if it remains a fantasy matchup for now. However, Topuria’s broad attack on Dagestani fighters risks alienating a significant portion of the MMA community, particularly those who admire the contributions of Khabib, Makhachev, and others from the region.
What’s Next: Will the Fight Happen?
UFC president Dana White has yet to comment on Topuria’s remarks, but the buzz surrounding a potential Makhachev vs. Topuria fight is undeniable. Makhachev is currently unbooked after his last title defense against Poirier in June 2024, while Topuria has expressed interest in fighting at lightweight as early as late 2025. A source close to the UFC told MMA Fighting at 11:30 PM PDT that the promotion is “very interested” in booking the fight, given the bad blood and the potential for massive pay-per-view numbers. [Web ID: 16]
Topuria’s accusations, however, may have legal repercussions. Makhachev could potentially pursue a defamation case if he feels the steroid claims damage his reputation, though no such action has been confirmed. For now, the focus remains on whether Topuria can back up his words in the octagon—or if his trash talk will come back to haunt him.
Ilia Topuria’s explosive comments on April 21, 2025, at 9:00 PM PDT—“Dagestanis are cheaters! Islam is on steroids, and I can beat Khabib too!”—have ignited a firestorm in the MMA world, drawing both support and condemnation. By accusing Islam Makhachev of steroid use and claiming he could defeat both Makhachev and the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, Topuria has thrown down the gauntlet, setting the stage for a potential superfight while risking backlash for his inflammatory remarks. As the UFC lightweight division braces for what could be one of its most heated rivalries yet, fans are left wondering: can Topuria back up his words, or will he crumble under the pressure of Dagestani dominance? One thing is certain—this feud is just getting started, and the octagon will never be the same!
