"Are you still on steroids?" - Ilia Topuria shreds Usman Nurmagomedov as the Dagestani defends Islam Makhachev's against 'El Matador's' recent remarks

Ilia Topuria has struck up a fiery feud with Islam Makhachev and his team, seemingly prompted by the UFC featherweight champion's confidence in his ability to dethrone the Russian lightweight king. In the most recent development from the rivalry, a bold proclamation by Topuria quickly turned into a war of words, with Makhachev's teammate, Usman Nurmagomedov, and 'El Matador' exchanging some heated remarks.

During an Instagram live session, Topuria made it clear that he’s more than willing to face off against Makhachev inside the octagon. However, while praising the Russian as a "great fighter," he added that fighting Makhachev in the streets wasn't an option because he’d have to "pay for his medical bills."

The comments didn’t go unnoticed by Usman Nurmagomedov, who responded with a stinging retort aimed at questioning Topuria’s toughness. He clapped back by questioning, "When did you ever fight on the street, European?"

Check out Nurmagomedov's comments below:

Topuria returned fire with an X post by referencing Nurmagomedov's failed drug test after Bellator 300:

"It has been a long time, to be honest. How are you doing with drugs? Are you still on steroids?"

Check out Topuria's X post below:

Nurmagomedov was banned by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) after failing a drug test in October 2023 after his Bellator 300 win over Brent Primus. The fight's result was overturned to a no-contest and Nurmagomedov was banned for six months. However, he was not stripped of the Bellator lightweight title after he claimed that a prescription drug, and not steroids, was the cause of his failed drug test.

As for Topuria, the Spaniard will take on Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 308 to defend his 145-pound championship. The event will take place on Oct. 26 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

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When Islam Makhachev detailed Ilia Topuria's path to earning the lightweight title shot

Ilia Topuria will face Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 308 on Oct. 26, aiming to solidify his position for a future shot at the lightweight crown.

Islam Makhachev made it clear that Topuria would need to overcome a big test before he’d consider him a worthy challenger. He acknowledged 'El Matador's skills, particularly his wrestling, and boxing, but emphasized that Topuria would need to clear his division before considering a lightweight title shot.

Makhachev specifically stated that Topuria would need to get past undefeated contender Movsar Evloev, in addition to winning his upcoming fight against Holloway. Speaking in an interview with Marca, Makhachev said:

"Ilia is good, yes. I think in my opinion he has good wrestling skills, but he always uses his boxing. And when you have good boxing, your opponent has good boxing, it's a little bit dangerous. He is good, but his next opponent is Max Holloway. If he beats Max [and] if he beats Movsar Evloev [he can potentially fight for lightweight championship]... He has a big job to do in his division." [H/t: Marca]