Ilia Topuria fires warning shots at Islam Makhachev ahead of UFC 315 showdown

Featherweight champion and undefeated Ilia Topuria has raised the stakes with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev by sending a pointed “Happy Saturday” message with intense training footage set to accompany his upcoming UFC 315 welterweight clash. The innocuous words of the Spanish fighter have a lot of meaning, as UFC President Dana White confirmed that the result of Saturday’s main event between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena will decide both fighters’ next opponents.
Ilia Topuria's lightweight aspirations hinge on UFC 315 resultsThe implication of Belal Muhammad versus Jack Della Maddalena extends to various weight divisions. Dana White has openly said that if Belal Muhammad defends his welterweight title successfully, Ilia Topuria will most likely fight Islam Makhachev for a champion versus former champion superfight at UFC 317. This situation would redirect Illia Topuria to a possible clash with former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira for an interim title.

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Ilia Topuria, who relinquished his 145-pound belt in February to chase lightweight glory, has been pushing hard for a shot at Makhachev’s 155-pound title. The 28-year-old phenom has even been given confirmation that he will be competing at UFC 317 during International Fight Week in late June, but his opponent is still undecided.

"I don't think he'll even touch my legs, because the first thing he feels, he'll want me to send him back to Russia," Ilia Topuria boldly claimed during a recent appearance on Spanish talk show El Hormiguero. "The only reason he doesn't want to fight me is because he knows I'm going to beat him."
Islam Makhachev responds to championship speculation with a definitive statementIslam Makhachev did not hold back Thursday in regard to the lightweight championship situation, saying he would not vacate his belt, no matter how UFC 315 turned out.

This Saturday’s main event will outline what my next move is. But whatever the result of that fight may be, I’m not stepping down from my lightweight title! We may get a real contender there! Islam Makhachev posted on social media as if to address Ilia Topuria and prospective welterweight aspirations.

Fans can watch UFC 315: Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena this Saturday, May 10, 2025, live at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card starts at 10 PM ET on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View, while prelims are on ESPN at 8 PM ET.

Also Read: UFC boss Dana White confirms Ilia Topuria’s claims on potential opponent for next bout at IFW - “That’s pretty accurate”

As weight divisions are all over the place and champion vs champion options are opening up, Ilia Topuria’s lightweight debut at UFC 317 has the potential to be a game changer for the promotion’s championship landscape, regardless of whether he fights Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira.