Ilia Topuria raises his voice as he reveals his preparation to fight Charles do Bronx: 'symptoms of fear'

Ilia Topuria is a former UFC featherweight champion. Photo: Instagram / UFC

Ilia Topuria continues his journey in search of a good fight in his new division. The now lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) opened up in a recent interview with some journalists and revealed the goals of his training: a duel with the champion Islam makhachev or Charles of the Bronx.

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“All my training is focused on Islam or Charles, because I don’t see any other opponents. I have these two names in mind and neither of them seems to dare (to fight me). They say phrases that insinuate things like ‘a champion fights whoever he says’ or ‘I don’t want to fight him because he is small.’ Yes. I am small. I have changed my category,” he said. Ilia Topuria.

When referring to these reactions from his opponents, the Spaniard did not hold back and provoked his new teammates.

“These are the symptoms of fear, we all know that, but it’s normal. I would be scared too,” said the former featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg).

Ilia Topuria: “I am preparing for Makhachev fight but he is afraid”

“The options are Islam or Charles”

Credit: ABC MMA & Alvaro Colmenero pic.twitter.com/MvsPZ5nhq1

— Álvaro Colmenero (@KOlmeneroMMA) March 27, 2025