UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria says his legacy will stand on its own even if a long-discussed superfight with Islam Makhachev never materializes.
Topuria, who will headline UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 in a lightweight title unification bout against interim champion Justin Gaethje, addressed the stalled talks over a crossover matchup with Makhachev, now a welterweight champion. Makhachev has claimed he accepted a fight with Topuria for UFC Freedom 250 but said Topuria asked for an unrealistic purse.
"I don't think that it's because of him that the fight is not happening," Topuria said, instead pointing to the promotion. "I truly believe that the UFC doesn't want to make it happen. I think so. But at the same time, trying to teach something to the UFC how to make the fights and all that, that's a little bit difficult because the answer they have, which is correct, is that 'we don't need your opinion, we build whatever we have in our way. So, we do it however we want it.' And it's completely understandable."
Topuria made it clear he does not view a Makhachev fight as essential to his career. "For me personally, it wouldn't change anything (if the fight doesn't happen)," he said. "I don't hate him. I don't have anything personal for him. The thing is that he achieved great things in the sport. He's a double champion like me."
"And if you do that crossover, me and Islam, it will be one of the biggest fights in the UFC history without any doubt. But if that fight never happens, I will be happy and proud about myself anyways. I don't need Islam to feel realized or to feel happy or to feel proud about myself, you know what I mean?"
