For Ilia Topuria, a title defense at the White House represents the pinnacle of all he can achieve in the sport. For a vocal part of the fanbase, however, it’s just another page in a story that’s missing key fights against Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan. The Georgian-Spanish mixed martial artist is headed into his first lightweight title defense against Justin Gaethje on June 14 at the South Lawn. And in his eyes, that fight could serve as a perfect bow on his career.
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“From a sporting point of view, I feel that on a personal level, I have satisfied all my desires,” Topuria told Marca, per translation. “I had to become world champion and defend it, to climb and get another title.
“Now, inside the White House, which was something you couldn’t refuse. I have to enter the White House and compete there, because in the end I don’t rely on the material that I am getting, but on the moments I am able to create, that tomorrow I will be able to tell my grandchildren, my friends… You can’t say no to that kind of opportunity.”
Despite Topuria’s apparent satisfaction with his career, there are still plenty of what-ifs left unanswered. A fight against Islam Makhachev is one that both he and the fans have long desired. Although the two could have met at lightweight, Makhachev’s move up to welterweight pushed the mega fight further away.
Like Topuria, Makhachev is widely regarded as one of the best in the sport, which makes it hard for many to accept that Topuria has achieved everything without facing him. Additionally, the UFC snubbed Arman Tsarukyan for a lightweight title shot last year, instead handing the opportunity to Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje.
Gaethje, of course, defeated Pimblett and earned his shot—but for many fans, Topuria’s resume still feels incomplete without a win over Tsarukyan. For a reigning champion at the peak of his powers, admitting that his desires are satisfied is a confession that his drive to face the division’s most dangerous contenders may be waning—a sentiment that has clearly drawn the ire of fans who believe his work is far from over.
The fans want more from Ilia Topuria
While Ilia Topuria’s resume is littered with names like Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, and more, this fan had two names—the Spaniard has yet to check off the list. The user shared: “Until you beat Makhachev or Khabib, your job is not done. Everything else I already expected.” While ‘El Matador’ can still fight Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov has long retired and doesn’t appear to be in the mood to return.
But for another user, Topuria is nothing but a duck. “He ducked Movsar, he ducked Arman, now he’s ducking Islam,” the user claimed. Ilia Topuria and Movsar Evloev were scheduled to fight at UFC 270 in January 2022, but the bout was canceled after Evloev withdrew due to a positive COVID-19 test.
Someone else felt Ilia Topuria is one fight away from his downfall. “He took the easy way out… He knows it… Islam would’ve ended him… His confidence comes from being undefeated… Once Islam beats him… It’s only downhill….” the user wrote. According to recent claims from both camps, they agreed to fight each other on the Freedom 250 card. However, Topuria claimed Makhachev declined, while Makhachev claimed Topuria demanded too much money.
Meanwhile, this fan claimed Topuria is looking for a way out to avoid fighting Arman Tsarukyan. “This rat is trying every possible way to escape from Arman, even if it leads to his retirement,” the fan wrote. Ilia Topuria has claimed he doesn’t want to fight Tsarukyan because the latter pulled out of a title fight against Islam Makhachev.
While everyone else criticized ‘El Matador,’ this user had a request for him. “After [Justin], please fight Islam. The winner is the pound-for-pound MMA fighter in the world,” the user commented. While the fight is still possible, the UFC ultimately holds all the cards.
Clearly, Ilia Topuria’s comments didn’t sit well with the fanbase, as they demand fights against Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev. While Topuria may feel he has satisfied his own desires, it’s clear the court of fan opinion will not consider his career complete without showdowns against Tsarukyan and Makhachev.
