Ilia Topuria downplays Islam Makhachev's physical advantage and reinforces his desire for a UFC superfight

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Ilia Topuria promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

On the eve of facing Justin Gaethje at UFC White House on June 14th, Ilia Topuria made it clear that he is already thinking about even bigger challenges. The double champion continues to fuel interest in a super fight against Islam Makhachev . The Georgian downplayed the Russian's physical advantage and stated that differences in height and weight would not be obstacles to a potential confrontation between the two champions.

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In an interview given to the Complex brand's YouTube channel, Topuria once again demonstrated confidence when addressing the physical difference between the two athletes. The champion emphasized that size, height, and weight would not be determining factors if the highly anticipated fight is made official by the organization.

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“Islam is heavier, taller, and everything else. If I'm walking down the street and he says something to me or to whoever is with me, I wouldn't ask, 'How much do you weigh? How tall are you?' I'd say, 'Let's go for it.' That's how I think,” the fighter stated.

The statement reinforces the Georgian's interest in facing Makhachev in one of the most anticipated fights by MMA fans today. Since rising to prominence among the organization's top names, the Spaniard has been advocating for the fight against the Russian, considered by the UFC rankings to be the top pound-for-pound fighter.

“I really want to make this happen, it’s a big fight, everyone wants to see it, he’s a big guy, he weighs a little more than me, but who cares about that? Let’s fight,” Ilia Topuria concluded.

Alex Poatan in the spotlight

Alex Poatan will be a featured athlete at UFC Casa Branca . Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Brazil is represented at UFC Casa Branca . In the co-main event, Alex Poatan attempts an unprecedented feat. The former middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) champion, the renowned striker seeks the interim heavyweight (up to 120 kg) title against Frenchman Ciryl Gane.

Besides Poatan, Mauricio Ruffy and Diego Lopes are the other Brazilian athletes on the card. The pair will face Michael Chandler and Steve Garcia , respectively.

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