Ilia Topuria, currently undefeated with a 17-0 record and holding UFC titles in two weight classes, has faced criticism from a fellow UFC middleweight who questions the legitimacy of his path to dual-division success. Since making his UFC debut in 2020 with a unanimous decision win over Youssef Zalal, Topuria has climbed swiftly through the ranks, capturing the lightweight championship along the way.
Known as “El Matador,” Topuria amassed six consecutive victories—including wins against Bryce Mitchell, Josh Emmett, and Jai Herbert—which showcased his skill and established him as a rising star. In 2024, he challenged Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 for the featherweight title, knocking out the reigning champion in the second round to secure the 145-pound belt.
Key Victories and Title Defenses Highlight Topuria’s UFC Journey
Following his featherweight title win, Topuria defended his championship against Max Holloway at UFC 308, earning a third-round TKO. Shortly afterward, he decided to move up to lightweight, vacating the featherweight crown. At UFC 317, he claimed the vacant lightweight title with a first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira, a victory that matched his own predictions.
Looking ahead, Topuria is scheduled to defend his lightweight belt against interim champion Justin Gaethje on June 14, making this a pivotal moment for his career as a two-division titleholder.
Controversy Emerges Over the Quality of Topuria’s Opposition
Despite his impressive record, UFC middleweight Shara Magomedov has expressed doubts about the competitiveness of Topuria’s opponents. Magomedov contended that many of the fighters Topuria faced were questionable choices or past their prime when fighting him. He told Metammaplus:
“He’s [Ilia Topuria] a good fighter on his own, but if you look at how he got to the belt, there were four or five fights against questionable opponents. And when he fought really serious fighters, they were already worn out. Charles Oliveira was worn out, I think. Max Holloway was a tough opponent, but he’s not the same as before. He’s taken a lot of damage in his career and kind of slowed down. Alexander Volkanovski was also not at the same level he used to be.” – Shara Magomedov, UFC middleweight
Magomedov’s commentary points to a contested narrative surrounding Topuria’s rapid ascent, with critics questioning whether injuries and decline of his key opponents diminished the challenge he faced en route to his titles.
Islam Makhachev Signals Interest in a High-Stakes Superfight
In a related development, Islam Makhachev, the newly crowned UFC welterweight champion, expressed enthusiasm for a potential superfight with Topuria. Despite not yet defending his 170-pound championship, Makhachev told Telegraf Sport that he is prepared for such a matchup if the UFC agrees, adding that fans are eager to see these fighters collide.
“I like this idea, if the UFC wants… I know a lot of MMA fans want this fight, and I’m ready.” – Islam Makhachev, UFC welterweight champion
Topuria has echoed similar sentiments, indicating a willingness to vacate his lightweight title in order to pursue a third UFC championship belt against Makhachev, who is regarded as one of the pound-for-pound best fighters currently.
The Stakes and Future Implications for UFC Championship Landscape
The discussions surrounding Topuria’s claim to two-division greatness carry significant implications for the UFC’s competitive hierarchy. If he successfully defends his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje and subsequently agrees to a superfight with Islam Makhachev, it would mark a notable convergence of elite talent and could redefine championship prestige across divisions.
However, the criticism voiced by Magomedov adds tension to the narrative, raising questions about fighter readiness and merit-based title reigns. For fans and analysts alike, the unfolding story of Ilia Topuria will be closely watched as he aims to solidify his legacy amid both support and skepticism within the MMA community.
https://twitter.com/RedCorner_MMA/status/2021759381172568431
Islam Makhachev says he's ready for a superfight with Ilia Topuria 🔥 pic.twitter.com/boqg7FFNfJ
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) February 11, 2026
