Makhachev Flips Script on Topuria-Gaethje Result
Islam Makhachev Hopes Ilia Topuria Bounces Back Stronger After Tough Loss
What Happened?
Imagine you’re the best player on the playground. You’ve beaten everyone—until one day, someone new shows up and beats you. That’s basically what happened to UFC fighter Ilia Topuria.
Quick Timeline
- June 2026: Topuria loses his featherweight title to Justin Gaethje at "UFC Freedom 250"
- August 13, 2026: Champion Islam Makhachev shares his thoughts on Topuria’s loss
- Upcoming Saturday: Makhachev defends his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330
Who Is Ilia Topuria?
Think of Topuria like a video game character who was on "easy mode" for a long time:
- Record before the loss: 17 wins, 0 losses (perfect!)
- UFC record: 9 wins, 1 loss
- Big names he beat:
- Alexander Volkanovski (former long-time champ)
- Max Holloway (fan favorite)
- Charles Oliveira (former champ)
What Did Islam Makhachev Say?
Makhachev is the current welterweight champion (that’s the 170-pound division). He and Topuria were supposed to fight each other eventually, but it never happened.
At First…
Makhachev seemed kind of glad to see Topuria lose. Like when the kid who always beats you at recess finally loses a game.
But Now…
He’s changed his mind! Here’s what he told former champion Demetrious Johnson:
"Sure, he will be back because he’s still young, and he has time. I hope he will come back and show a good performance because I see Ilia is a good fighter. He has good punch, he has good wrestling, good skills on the ground. If he focuses again, maybe he will be champion again. I don’t know. But this fight changed his life, but we don’t know which way."
Breaking Down Makhachev’s Comments
| What He Said | What It Means (ELI5) |
|---|---|
| "He’s still young" | Topuria has lots of time to improve—like a 7th grader who has high school, college, and beyond ahead |
| "Good punch, good wrestling, good skills on the ground" | Topuria is good at everything—hitting, grabbing, and fighting on the mat |
| "If he focuses again" | Sometimes after winning a lot, fighters get distracted. He needs to get hungry again |
| "This fight changed his life, but we don’t know which way" | Losing can make you better OR worse—it’s up to Topuria |
IMPORTANT POINT
Losing isn’t the end—it’s a test. Makhachev (who has only lost once in 29 fights) knows that how you respond to your first loss defines your career. Many champions lost early and came back stronger!
What’s Next for Makhachev?
While talking about Topuria, Makhachev has his own big fight coming up:
- Event: UFC 330
- Date: This Saturday
- Location: Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia
- Opponent: Ian Machado Garry (17-1 record, 10-1 in UFC)
- Watch on: Paramount+
Why This Matters
- For Topuria: His first loss is a crossroads moment. Will he crumble or come back stronger?
- For Makhachev: Shows sportsmanship and maturity—he wants the best version of his rival
- For fans: We might still get Makhachev vs. Topuria someday if Topuria bounces back!
Summary
Islam Makhachev, the UFC welterweight champion, shared thoughtful words about Ilia Topuria after Topuria lost his featherweight title to Justin Gaethje in June. Though they were once on a collision course to fight each other, Makhachev now hopes Topuria uses this loss as fuel to return better than ever. He praised Topuria’s well-rounded skills (striking, wrestling, ground game) and noted that at a young age, Topuria has plenty of time to become a champion again. Meanwhile, Makhachev prepares to defend his own title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 this Saturday in Philadelphia.
FAQ
Who is Islam Makhachev?
A: He’s the current UFC welterweight champion (170 lbs) with a record of 28 wins and only 1 loss. He’s widely considered one of the best fighters in the world.
Who is Ilia Topuria?
A: A former UFC featherweight champion (145 lbs) who was undefeated (17-0) until losing to Justin Gaethje in June 2026. He’s known for knocking out three former champions in a row.
What does "welterweight" and "featherweight" mean?
A: These are weight classes in MMA:
- Featherweight = up to 145 pounds
- Welterweight = up to 170 pounds
Fighters must weigh in at or below these limits before fights.
Why did Makhachev change his mind about Topuria’s loss?
A: At first, he seemed happy his rival lost (natural competitive instinct). But on reflection, he realized Topuria is a talented young fighter who can learn from this setback—and Makhachev wants to see the best version of him return.
When is UFC 330 and how can I watch?
A: UFC 330 happens this Saturday at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. The main event (Makhachev vs. Garry) streams on Paramount+.