Topuria and Makhachev do not get along as Corner fires back at Topuria following the UFC 322 victory.
Following his resounding victory at UFC 322, Islam Makhachev not only celebrated, but he and his inner circle delivered a harsh, symbolic message directly at the opponent, who has been publicly recording his faults toward him, Ilia Topuria. What started as mere trash talk has deteriorated into a literal fight of words that is giving indications that their simmering tension will soon break out.
A historic night with Makhachev.
At UFC 322, Makhachev entered the super sphere of the sport by winning his second division, the welterweight title, in an overwhelming manner. His actions were mostly based on wrestling and domination, and his image as a technically elite, patient fighter was emphasized. The victory not only secured him another belt in his cabinet, but it seemed to confirm his long-term goal of establishing his legacy in the MMA.
Topuria’s Harsh Response
Not everyone was impressed. Ilia Topuria, who is the holder of the lightweight belt, responded sharply to the victory of Makhachev on social media. He attacked Makhachev as well as his ex-opponent, whom he perceived as out of style and not exciting. Topuria made no soft remarks: he had termed Makhachev as being dull and said that he had no real heart, and that his latest opponent had to be given a camp of his own where he could wrestle.
They were personal digs, and they had a ring to them. What Topuria was criticizing was not only the struggle, but also the legacy, character and what it is to be a fight entertainer.
Team Strikes Back With a Rose-Makhachev.
In a stinging, symbolic gesture, the tension was made into a visual jab by the people of the Makhachev camp. At a post-fight party, one of his teammates filmed a video with one red rose in his hand and informed Topuria, This is your rose. The gesture resonated: Topuria has long been using rose as a symbol of respect in his personal post-fight ritual, a sort of a homage to the tradition of bullfighting.
However, instead of handling it with care, Makhachev has squashed the rose in his palm, causing the petals to fall. This was no message that was not clearly received: he did not simply repudiate the embrace of Topuria, but metaphorically tore it in tatters. The taunt fell on the ear when the member of the team flung a challenge at Topuria,– Are you willing to fight now?
The Real Meaning of this Feud.
A Clash of Styles: Makhachev has always been a grappler who has controlled positions, and possesses a topuria of style that is more superficial, flash, and knockout. This is not just a fight between two warriors, but a clash of two personalities.
Legacy vs. Showmanship: Makhachev appears to be legacy-oriented, which is driven by a need to develop an impeccable history based on supremacy. Topuria, on the other hand, is driving the message that excitement and feeling are equally vital as technical greatness.
A Super-Fight in the Future: Since now the fight is personal, the fans and pundits are already theorizing the possibility of a fight between Makhachev and Topuria. When it occurs, it may be among the largest bouts in the UFC – a battle that would be not only a fight over the title, but also a battle of honor.
Psychological Warfare: Rose was no mere gesture. It was psychological. It is an obvious message: Makhachev is not only sure in his physical game, but his team is sure that the mental struggle is already half won.
How Makhachev Is Responding
Whereas Makhachev himself has remained comparatively calm, his reactions in public have indicated that he is willing to have a fight with Topuria. He has already admitted that there is an intrigue between the two in previous remarks, implying that he is not afraid of the fight, although his approach does not change to the concept of control and calculated domination.
Potential Outcomes
They Fight: This might be a Makhachev vs. Topuria. Should UFC do so, it would attract huge publicity and may resolve this rivalry forever.
Topuria Keeps Pressing: The Spanish-Georgian brawler may keep taunting Makhachev, trying to get him to fight, or maybe going back to other competitors since the UFC does not bite.
Makhachev Defends First: He can decide to defend his new belt and then wait to have a fight with Topuria, as he builds his legacy, and allow his critics to rot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Q: Why did the people in the team of Makhachev conjure up a rose to jeer Topuria?
A: Topuria has a symbolic significance with the rose, which he applies in his respective post-fight rituals. Makhachev’s team could be seen to be sending a message with the crushing, which was to face Topuria, his own symbolism; they didn’t have to go far to make their point with a crushing.
Q: What was it that Topuria said about Makhachev after UFC 322?
A: Topuria looked down on the style of fighting of Makhachev and termed him boring and unemotional. He even assaulted the opponent of Makhachev, implying that he was not a true champion because of his emphasis on wrestling.
Q: Does the fight between Makhachev and Topuria have a high probability?
A: The situation is factual, and both parties have engaged in provocative utterances. Even though this is not officially confirmed, many people believe that this might become a marquee match in the future – particularly when the UFC feels like there is a big story.
Q: So, what does this feud portend for the division of lightweight?
A: Topuria is currently the champion in the lightweight division since Makhachev had to leave his title due to his decision to move up. Their competition may become the character of the division in the future, particularly in the case he fails to meet Makhachev in the near future.
Q: Does Makhachev’s win at UFC 322 alter his legacy?
A: Absolutely. To make a two-division champion is a huge feat, and the manner in which he achieved it by controlling, wrestling, and discipline adds to the perception of him being a powerful, intelligent fighter. This quarrel with Topuria just serves to make his legacy all the more interesting.
