Ilia Topura Manager Clash Over Potential UFC Matchups

Malki Kawa, manager of former UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, publicly rebuked fellow MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz after Abdelaziz suggested that PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov should debut in the UFC against Topuria. The exchange unfolded on social media and podcast platforms, with both managers defending their clients and questioning each other’s motives.

Abdelaziz Calls Out Topuria For Nurmagomedov's UFC Debut Fighters Only : Ilia Topuria’s Manager Fires Back at Ali Abdelaziz Over Usman Nurmagomedov Fight Claims ‘Ilia Topuria would f*cking annihilate 100% of your roster’: Manager fires back at rival

Topuria suffered his first professional defeat when Justin Gaethje knocked him out at the UFC White House event, ending his reign as lightweight champion. Shortly thereafter, Usman Nurmagomedov completed a 22-0 record in the Professional Fighters League and became a free agent, prompting speculation about a UFC debut. Abdelaziz, who represents both Nurmagomedov and Gaethje, used the *Pound 4 Pound* podcast—hosted by Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo—to promote a potential Topuria-Nurmagomedov bout. Kawa responded, arguing that Abdelaziz was leveraging his podcast platform to influence matchmaking.

Abdelaziz Calls Out Topuria For Nurmagomedov's UFC Debut Fighters Only : Ilia Topuria’s Manager Fires Back at Ali Abdelaziz Over Usman Nurmagomedov Fight Claims ‘Ilia Topuria would f*cking annihilate 100% of your roster’: Manager fires back at rival

Abdelaziz said, “The fight I want, if he goes to the UFC, is Ilia Topuria for his first fight.” He framed the pairing as a natural “beef” between the two fighters.

Abdelaziz Calls Out Topuria For Nurmagomedov's UFC Debut

Kawa countered by highlighting Abdelaziz’s presence on the podcast with his own clients and dismissing the prediction as bravado. He emphasized Topuria’s status as a top-ranked lightweight despite his recent loss and warned that any future fight would showcase Topuria’s superiority.

Fighters Only : Ilia Topuria’s Manager Fires Back at Ali Abdelaziz Over Usman Nurmagomedov Fight Claims

• Ilia Topuria’s most recent fight resulted in a knockout loss to Justin Gaethje.

‘Ilia Topuria would f*cking annihilate 100% of your roster’: Manager fires back at rival

• Usman Nurmagomedov entered free agency after a 22-0 record in the PFL lightweight division.

Abdelaziz Calls Out Topuria For Nurmagomedov's UFC Debut

The dispute underscores the strategic maneuvering that shapes UFC matchmaking, especially in the lightweight division where contenders such as Paddy Pimblett, Islam Makhachev, Kamaru Usman and Justin Gaethje are potential opponents. A Topuria-Nurmagomedov bout would generate fan interest due to Nurmagomedov’s connection to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Topuria’s reputation as a former champion. The managers’ public statements also reveal how agents may use media appearances to sway promotional decisions.

Abdelaziz Calls Out Topuria For Nurmagomedov's UFC Debut

While Abdelaziz advocates for an immediate Topuria-Nurmagomedov matchup, UFC matchmakers have not confirmed whether Nurmagomedov will debut in the organization or which opponent will be selected. The timeline for any such fight remains unspecified.

Abdelaziz Calls Out Topuria For Nurmagomedov's UFC Debut Fighters Only : Ilia Topuria’s Manager Fires Back at Ali Abdelaziz Over Usman Nurmagomedov Fight Claims

• “The fight I want, if he goes to the UFC, is Ilia Topuria for his first fight,” — Ali Abdelaziz, MMA manager

Abdelaziz Calls Out Topuria For Nurmagomedov's UFC Debut

• “You’ve got this guy, he’s sitting there with two of his clients, and one of them happens to be [Kamaru] Usman,” — Malki Kawa, Ilia Topuria’s manager

‘Ilia Topuria would f*cking annihilate 100% of your roster’: Manager fires back at rival