'Let him cook'…Fans go wild over Islam Makhachev's cryptic message potentially referring to Ilia Topuria fight
Today at 08:34 PM
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev posted a mysterious message on social media that fans felt was an indirect reference to Ilia Topuria.
Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria could potentially be on an inevitable collision course after Topuria vacated the featherweight belt for a full-time move to lightweight. Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes will fight for Topuria’s vacated belt at UFC 314 in Miami.
Topuria, who decided to move to lightweight after a knockout win over Max Holloway in October, is a potential option for Makhachev’s next title defense. But Makhachev is also on the verge of potentially moving up in weight to either the welterweight or middleweight division.
Makhachev and Topuria have traded barbs in recent months as speculation over a potential fight ramps up. The hype over a potential Makhachev vs. Topuria booking went up a level when Makhachev posted a mysterious message on his social media accounts that some believe referred to Topuria.
Islam Makhachev posts a cryptic message after Ilia Topuria’s lightweight move
In a recent post to his Instagram story, Makhachev posted the message “Someone needs to be put out” along with a selfie in front of fire extinguishers. MMA fans had a field day with Makhachev’s post.
“Let him cook,” one fan wrote on X.
“He’s coming for Topuria!” another said.
“Let em put it out.”
“Topuria will finish him.”
“Lol bet he thought that was so cool.”
“My goat’s the best trash talker in the UFC.”
“Champ is cooking. Love it.”
“It’s going to be a huge fight for Islam. If he eventually puts out his light then we should cement Islam’s name above Khabib as the greatest lightweight to ever do it.”
“My GOAT has spoken.”
“Topuria will end this clown.”
“Bro Topuria is gonna kill this man and end his career.”
Despite fan excitement, Makhachev’s manager recently dismissed Topuria getting the next title shot and instead pitched a No. 1 contender fight booking. But Makhachev’s head coach liked the idea of the lightweight champion facing Topuria later this year.
Dana White is non-committal on booking Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria next
UFC CEO Dana White shared a vague message in response to questions about Makhachev vs. Topuria, hinting that there are multiple options for Topuria’s lightweight comeback. Topuria fought once at lightweight during his promotional tenure, a come-from-behind win over Jai Herbert in March 2022.
Makhachev most recently defeated Renato Moicano at UFC 311 last month. He was supposed to originally face Arman Tsarukyan before the Armenian withdrew due to injury, and Tsarukyan will have to win at least one fight before getting another title shot.
Enter Topuria, who has also hinted at a potential booking with Charles Oliveira for his return to the lightweight division. Oliveira most recently defeated Michael Chandler at UFC 309 in November.
Makhachev vs. Topuria is one of the biggest fights that the UFC could make in 2025. But for now, the mystery behind the next lightweight title fight carries on.
