Ilia Topuria has stirred the pot in the MMA world once again, and this time, his words have triggered an unexpected reaction from Team Khabib. The reigning UFC featherweight champion took to Instagram Live to welcome a potential showdown with lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev. Though Topuria expressed respect for Makhachev’s skills inside the cage, it didn’t stop him from throwing a savage jab about a potential fight outside the Octagon.
“We can always settle it in the Octagon, not on the streets, because I’ll have to pay for his medical bills,” Topuria quipped, taking a direct shot at Makhachev.
But that’s not where the drama ends. Usman Nurmagomedov, the current Bellator lightweight champion and part of the legendary Nurmagomedov clan, fired back in no time. Clearly unimpressed with Topuria’s street-fighting comment, Nurmagomedov shot back with a stinging retort, questioning Topuria’s street credibility.
“When did you ever fight on the streets, European boy?” Nurmagomedov clapped back, fueling the fire between the two MMA stars.
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Topuria, known for his quick wit, didn’t let the exchange end there. He swiftly turned the conversation toward a sensitive subject—the failed drug test that put Usman Nurmagomedov in hot water last year. Following his Bellator 300 win against Brent Primus, Nurmagomedov tested positive for a banned substance, leading to a six-month suspension by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC).
“It’s been a while, to be honest,” Topuria wrote on X. “How’s it going with the drugs? Are you still on steroids?”
This bold accusation struck a nerve in the MMA community, as it highlighted a controversial moment in Nurmagomedov’s career. While the CSAC overturned his win due to the failed test, they ruled the ingestion was accidental, allowing him to retain his lightweight title. Nevertheless, the shadow of the drug test lingered, and Topuria wasted no time capitalizing on the situation.
Nurmagomedov, now back in the Bellator cage after his suspension, recently defeated Alexandr Shabliy in a dominant performance. But with Topuria calling him out in such a public manner, this feud is far from over.
With both fighters trading sharp barbs online, fans are left wondering if this war of words will spill over into the cage. Could we see a cross-promotion battle between UFC’s Topuria and Bellator’s Nurmagomedov? Or will Islam Makhachev step in to defend his teammate’s honor?
One thing’s for sure—this isn’t the last we’ll hear from Topuria or the Nurmagomedovs. Stay tuned for what could be one of the most explosive rivalries MMA has seen in years.
