Ilia Topuria fires ominous warning about possibly becoming the "first to submit" Islam Makhachev

Ilia Topuria is looking to defend his featherweight title for the first time this weekend when he faces Max Holloway at UFC 308. 'El Matador' hopes to move up to lightweight and challenge Islam Makhachev for double champ status, provided he gets past 'Blessed'.

Topuria recently shared his prediction for a potential clash against Makhachev, claiming he would become the first fighter to submit the lightweight champion. At the UFC 308 media day, Topuria was asked what's next for him after his upcoming fight. He responded:

"Before, I used to make more predictions about that and I was [saying], 'I want to fight this one, not that', but at the end of the day, I want to do my job, which is show up and fight. And we'll see what the UFC wants me to do."

The featherweight champion continued:

"If they call me and they want me to move up to the lightweight division, I will be okay with that to move up and be the first one to submit Islam. And if they want me to keep defending the belt in the featherweight division, I will be okay with that, too. So, let's leave that decision to the UFC."

Check out Ilia Topuria's comments on being the first to submit Islam Makhachev below (5:40):

Topuria has not been shy about his desire to chase double champ status, leading to a back-and-forth with members of Makhachev's team. It remains unclear if the UFC is interested in allowing 'El Matador' such a quick opportunity to challenge for double champ status, however, he has shown plenty of confidence that he will hand the lightweight champion the second loss of his mixed martial arts career.

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Ilia Topuria praises Khabib Nurmagomedov while calling out his teammates

Ilia Topuria's feud with Islam Makhachev's team members does not appear to be on the verge of dying down anytime soon. The featherweight champion recently showed respect to UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, while calling out the rest of the camp.

Speaking to Alvaro Colmenero of Eurosport Espana, 'El Matador' claimed:

"Look, one thing I respect about Khabib, the guy is really super respectful. He never says anything about anybody, people talk a lot, he never says anything about anybody. I've mentioned Islam and all the cousins come out. They have never knocked anyone out, they get caught using steroids, they are super cheaters and suddenly they jump."

Check out Ilia Topuria's comments on Khabib Nurmagomedov and his teammates below:

Topuria claimed that taking steroids may have damaged the nervous system of members of Makhachev's camp. 'El Matador' noted that he is unphased by their threats of a fight upon seeing him, noting that he has dedicated his entire life to fighting.