Belal Muhammad warns Ilia Topuria against messing with Islam Makhachev in light of 'El Matador's' recent comments: "It's different there"

Ilia Topuria has been advised by Belal Muhammad to avoid meddling with Islam Makhachev. The UFC welterweight champion recently spoke to MMA reporter Helen Yee, to whom he relayed his thoughts, cautioning the reigning featherweight champion against feuding with the lightweight kingpin.

Instead, he urged Topuria, who is gearing up for his first featherweight title against former 145-pound champion Max Holloway at UFC 308, to focus on defending his title in his division. Moreover, he warned him not to disrespect Makhachev by challenging him to a fight.

"Be careful what you wish for, right? If you're Ilia, you got a lot of guys in your division you still have to fight. Ilia's getting to that point where you're undefeated, you're getting a lot of hype, so now you're starting to callout and play that game of trying to be the next [Conor] McGregor, but don't mess with Islam."

Specifically, Muhammad referred to Topuria's recent claim that he'd seriously injure Makhachev in a street fight. The topic of street fights appears to be a sensitive one in Dagestan, given how Tony Ferguson's own street fight-related claims about Khabib Nurmagomedov infuriated 'The Eagle' in the past.

"Like they said, it's different there [in Dagestan]. If you want to street fight, they'll street fight. Islam doesn't care about, 'Oh, let's get paid for it.' He sees you, you disrespect him, he's going to show you what disrespect means from Dagestan."

Check out Belal Muhammad's warning to Ilia Topuria (7:38):

Topuria is scheduled to defend his title against Holloway, who presents a significant threat to his fresh championship reign. Makhachev previously claimed that he would face Topuria once the Spaniard mounts several title defenses at featherweight.

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Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev were previously on better terms

While there isn't necessarily a feud, yet, between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev, the streaking Dagestani star once enjoyed a more positive relationship with the Spaniard. Following 'El Matador's' knockout of Alexander Volkanovski, the lightweight kingpin took to X/Twitter to shower him with praise.

"Alex is undeniably one of the greatest champions in the FW division. Keep your head up and come back strong! Congrats to new champ Topuria, well done биджо!"

Unfortunately, Makhachev's use of the Georgian word 'биджо' or 'Bidjo,' which means 'boy,' did not sit well with Topuria, as it is only used informally among friends.