Topuria's Manager Fires Back At Abdelaziz Over Roster Claims

Ilia Topuria's manager Malki Kawa has responded to rival agent Ali Abdelaziz after the latter predicted PFL fighter Usman Nurmagomedov would dominate the UFC lightweight roster.

Kawa posted a video to social media after Abdelaziz appeared on the Pound 4 Pound podcast hosted by Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, per MMA Fighting. During the show, Abdelaziz reportedly claimed Nurmagomedov would handle the division with ease, including the former champion who dropped his belt to Justin Gaethje in June.

Kawa Defends Topuria After UFC White House Loss

In his response, Kawa defended the Georgian fighter's standing despite the setback at UFC White House, where Gaethje forced a fourth-round stoppage. Topuria has been sidelined since June recovering from facial injuries sustained in that bout.

Kawa predicted his client would return to form against any opponent, naming Paddy Pimblett, Islam Makhachev, Nurmagomedov, and even Gaethje himself as potential victims of a future showcase performance. He dismissed suggestions that Topuria's team feared any matchup in the division.

Gaethje, also managed by Abdelaziz, is reportedly weighing his options for what could be the final fight of his career. No timeline has been announced for Topuria's return to training or competition.

Photo: Sgt. Christian Brown / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — ‘Ilia Topuria would f*cking annihilate 100% of your roster’: Manager fires back at rival | MMA Fighting