Ilia Topuria Criticizes Dagestani Fighters' Competitive Record

UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has sparked controversy by criticizing Dagestani fighters, claiming they struggle under pressure when faced with resilient opponents. In a recent appearance on the Full Send Podcast, Topuria asserted that Dagestani fighters rely heavily on early dominance to build confidence, stating that if they can't control the fight initially, they often lose competitive bouts. His comments come as Topuria considers a move to the lightweight division, where a potential fight with reigning champion Islam Makhachev looms. Topuria's remarks have raised eyebrows, especially following Umar Nurmagomedov's recent loss, which he used to underscore his point about the Dagestani fighters' mentality. The ongoing rivalry has attracted reactions from other fighters, including Paddy Pimblett, who questioned Topuria's readiness for a lightweight challenge, given his recent title defenses. This clash of opinions highlights the competitive tension within the UFC, particularly regarding the Dagestani fighting legacy.