Islam Makhachev has hit back at Ilia Topuria’s claims that he ran from a fight with him.
The UFC lightweight champion was expected to defend his belt against Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 on June 28, but everything changed when his teammate, Belal Muhammad, lost his welterweight title at UFC 315 on Saturday night.
UFC CEO Dana White announced Islam Makhachev would vacate his belt and move up to face the new 170lb champion, Jack Della Maddalena.
In his absence, Ilia Topuria vs Charles Oliveira was booked for the vacant 155lb strap next month.
Islam Makhachev shuts down Ilia Topuria
On Thursday, Ilia Topuria branded Islam Makhachev a ‘hypocrite’ and a ‘liar’ during an angry rant about their…