Ilia Topuria’s Manager Malki Kawa Fires Back at Islam Makhachev’s Manager

Ilia Topuria’s manager Malki Kawa has fired back at Ali Abdelaziz after the manager of Islam Makhachev backed Usman Nurmagomedov to dominate Topuria in a potential UFC matchup.

Abdelaziz has been vocal about the potential of his fighters, with Usman Nurmagomedov emerging as a possible future opponent for Topuria if the undefeated PFL star eventually makes the move to the UFC.

Kawa, however, dismissed Abdelaziz’s confidence and argued that Topuria remains capable of defeating the leading names linked to him despite his recent setback.

Malki Kawa Defends Ilia Topuria

Responding to Abdelaziz in an Instagram story, Kawa made a bold claim about Topuria’s ability to compete against some of the biggest names in the lightweight division.

“Ilia would annihilate 100% of your roster, including if he fought Justin Gaethje again. He would beat the shit out of him. [Paddy Pimblett, Islam Makhachev, Usman Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje] doesn’t matter. Shut the f*ck up. Stop hyping your guys, you sound like a fu*king clown. Ilia had a bad night, that’s it,” Kawa said.

Kawa’s comments highlight the confidence Topuria’s team still has in the former champion despite his recent loss. The manager believes one poor performance should not erase what Topuria has accomplished throughout his UFC career.

Usman Nurmagomedov Emerging as Potential Topuria Opponent

The verbal exchange comes as Usman Nurmagomedov continues to attract attention as a potential UFC signing. The undefeated PFL star has been linked with a move to the UFC, and a matchup against Topuria would immediately create significant interest in the lightweight division.

Abdelaziz has previously advocated for Nurmagomedov to face Topuria, making the potential contest one of the more intriguing possibilities if the Russian eventually joins the UFC.

Topuria could also find himself connected to other elite lightweight contenders, including Islam Makhachev, Paddy Pimblett, and Justin Gaethje.

Islam Makhachev’s Manager Warns Ian Machado Garry

While Kawa defended Topuria, Abdelaziz has also been focused on Islam Makhachev’s upcoming title defense against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 on August 15.

The manager questioned Garry’s credentials and described him as more of a competitor than a complete fighter. Abdelaziz also criticized Garry’s movement-heavy approach, arguing that the Irishman relies heavily on staying at distance.

“[Ian Machado Garry] talks a lot… I don’t think he’s a serious man. He’s a competitor. I don’t think he’s a fighter,” Abdelaziz said in an interview with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn.

He further claimed that Garry’s tendency to move around the Octagon could make him difficult to track but predicted that Makhachev would eventually overcome those challenges.

“I think he’s an average fighter, and he’s just hard to figure out because he runs a lot,” Abdelaziz added.

Abdelaziz expects Makhachev to apply sustained pressure and potentially finish Garry within three rounds. With the title fight approaching, his comments have added another layer to the growing rivalry between the two camps.

Meanwhile, the exchange between Kawa and Abdelaziz could help build further interest in a potential Topuria matchup against one of the elite fighters represented by Makhachev’s manager.