Islam Makhachev’s manager ‘confused’ by Ilia Topuria’s conduct amidst indefinite UFC hiatus

Ilia Topuria’s recent interviews drew the attention of former UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev’s team amidst his absence.

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria’s timeline for his first title defense remains uncertain, as he navigates personal issues outside the Octagon. UFC 324 is headlined by an interim lightweight title bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett next month, amidst Topuria’s ongoing hiatus.

Despite having a lot on his plate, Topuria has still made time to taunt some of the top lightweights, including Arman Tsarukyan, during his absence. Topuria belittled Tsarukyan and dismissed his case for a title shot in an X-rated rant that drew a lot of attention online.

Topuria’s ongoing fight promotion and recent remarks prompted some to question the sincerity of his absence. This includes Islam Makhachev’s manager, after months of Topuria taunting Makhachev and making big promises about a future clash.

Ali Abdelaziz questions Ilia Topuria after recent taunts amidst UFC absence

In a recent post to X, Ali Abdelaziz responded to Topuria’s recent interviews.

“I’m a little bit confused,” Abdelaziz said of Topuria.

“Everybody giving this guy space and respect to resolve his family problems. And should be. But when he come out talking about Khabib, Islam, Arman, for no reason. And he’s not even fighting.

“I’m not sure if people give him a pass anymore.”

As of this writing, Topuria hasn’t responded to Abdelaziz’s remarks. Topuria and Makhachev were briefly linked to a potential matchup before Makhachev made the move up to welterweight earlier this year, defeating Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322.

Topuria hasn’t fought since knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to win the then-vacant lightweight belt. He remains unbeaten in his UFC career with wins over Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Josh Emmett.

It’s uncertain how long Topuria will be on the sidelines as he navigates his family issues, but once he returns, expect the UFC matchmakers to make massive fights happen for his next appearances.