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Ilia Topuria is turning up the heat on Islam Makhachev, saying he’s a completely different challenge than anyone the lightweight champion has faced before.

Topuria claims this is the fight fans want most, questioning why it hasn’t been accepted yet. He also pushed back on recent criticism, saying it’s easy to talk from a distance but very different once the cage door closes. According to Topuria, he’s not just another name on Makhachev’s résumé like Jack Della Maddalena or Dan Ho**er.

He insists he brings a unique skill set and knockout power that would change everything the moment they meet in the octagon. With bold words and rising momentum, Topuria is making it clear he believes one right hand could end the night instantly.

Coach Javier Mendez reflected on Khabib Nurmagomedov’s final fight with a moment that defined the night. Before stepping into the cage, Khabib calmly told his coach that his toe might be broken, but his mindset was unshaken. Hearing those words instantly erased any doubt. Mendez said he knew right then that no opponent could defeat him that evening, regardless of the circumstances or physical pain.

That level of mental strength gave the coach complete confidence heading into the bout. Even when Khabib took solid shots during the fight, it barely changed his focus or composure. His last performance became a powerful reminder that championships are often won in the mind long before they are won in the cage alone forever.