The UFC featherweight division is in chaos after Ilia Topuria—the undefeated champion and rising superstar—sent shockwaves through the MMA world by hinting at retirement rather than facing Islam Makhachev in a potential super-fight.

Ilia Topuria explota contra Cristiano Ronaldo por sus críticas

Fans are stunned. Fighters are speaking out. And Dana White? He’s livid.

In a cryptic recent interview, Topuria dropped a line that no one expected: “Maybe I’ve already done enough. Maybe it’s time to walk away while I’m on top.”

While he didn’t directly mention Islam Makhachev, fans and analysts quickly connected the dots.

Rumors of a champ-vs-champ bout between Topuria and Makhachev have been gaining traction—until now.

With Topuria riding high after dethroning Alexander Volkanovski, many saw the Makhachev clash as his next big test.

Ilia Topuria ("El Matador") | MMA Fighter Page | Tapology

But if these hints are real, Topuria may walk away undefeated, leaving fans with one burning question: Is he ducking the challenge?

Dana White Explodes: “You Don’t Get to Walk Now”

UFC President Dana White reportedly lost his mind upon hearing the news. Sources close to the promotion say White sees the potential Topuria-Makhachev fight as a blockbuster event—and Topuria’s sudden cold feet are not sitting well.

“You don’t get to walk away now. Not when the biggest fights are just ahead,” White reportedly fumed backstage.

Meanwhile, the UFC drama doesn’t stop. As UFC Qatar approaches, Dan Hooker is in full savage mode, going after Arman Tsarukyan with brutal trash talk.

Hooker, known for his no-nonsense style, didn’t hold back: “Tsarukyan’s overrated. I’ve fought killers—he hasn’t. He’s gonna drown when we get in there.”

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This fight is personal, and with Hooker on a mission to reclaim relevance in the lightweight rankings, UFC Qatar just got a whole lot nastier.

Jiri Prochazka Questions Ankalaev’s UFC 320 Performance

Adding to the storm, Jiri Prochazka stirred the pot by questioning Magomed Ankalaev’s mindset in his recent loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 320.

“That wasn’t the real Ankalaev,” Prochazka said. “Something was off. He wasn’t himself.”

Ilia Topuria shows off hands & lightweight physique before UFC 317 title  fight

The comment has fans speculating about injuries, weight issues, or mental fatigue—none of which Ankalaev has confirmed. But with Prochazka potentially circling for a rematch or a shot at Pereira, the mind games have clearly begun.

Will Ilia Topuria actually retire?

Can Dana White convince him to stay and fight Makhachev?

Will Hooker vs Tsarukyan steal the show at UFC Qatar?

Is Jiri looking for another title run?

One thing is certain: The UFC landscape is shifting fast, and every headline feels like a plot twist.