UFC light-weight champion Ilia Topuria is not impressed with Islam Makhachev’s legacy-defining night time. At UFC 322, Makhachev turned a two-division champion and tied a long-standing UFC report by beating Jack Della Maddalena. Topuria does not see it that manner.
Topuria solely noticed one boring champion and one other disappointing one. Shortly after Saturday’s major occasion concluded, Topuria condemned Makhachev’s efficiency as boring. The place many, together with UFC CEO Dana White, celebrated Makhachev’s grappling dominance as an indication of his greatness, Topuria was extra assured than ever about shutting off the brand new welterweight champion.
“Islam, you want one thing you possibly can’t prepare: emotion. You are probably the most boring factor on this recreation,” Topuria wrote on Twitter. “Daily, I am extra sure I put you to sleep.”
Topuria wasn’t any kinder to former champion Della Maddalena. The Australian entered New York Metropolis as a strong betting underdog, however many fighters and analysts thought his improved grappling protection and boxing method may shock Makhachev. As a substitute, Della Maddalena appeared progressively extra dejected with every passing spherical the place he did not mount a significant offense.
“Jack wants a whole camp devoted simply to wrestling. What a disappointment of a champion,” Topuria wrote earlier in his message. “It is best to go to Georgia to be taught one thing.”
Makhachev, when requested about his subsequent opponent within the cage, did not shed mild on who he’d struggle subsequent, solely that he desires to compete at UFC’s White Home card subsequent 12 months. A return to light-weight to problem Topuria can be the most important struggle within the sport. Nonetheless, if Makhachev prefers to remain at welterweight, he’ll have a swathe of recent challengers. Michael Morales and Carlos Prates scored first-round knockouts at UFC 322, whereas ranked welterweights Belal Muhammad and Ian Machado Garry co-headline UFC Battle Night time Qatar later this month.
Makhachev was particularly requested about combating Topuria when talking to the media afterwards. The brand new welterweight champion mentioned he was wholesome and would make mild work if Topuria have been his subsequent opponent.
“I’m prepared,” Makhachev mentioned on the UFC 322 post-fight press convention. “Who’s gonna be subsequent? Let’s do that. I’ll make it straightforward.”
