Ilia Topuria's manager has words for Ali Abdelaziz

Ilia Topuria's manager Malki Kawa has fired back at Ali Abdelaziz after the PFL figurehead suggested that Usman Nurmagomedov would decisively beat the Georgian-Spanish fighter. Abdelaziz made the comments following Nurmagomedov's first-round knockout victory over Archie Colgan at PFL New York, which improved the unbeaten Russian's record to 22-0. The jab at Topuria appeared designed to reference his recent loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.

Kawa responded with characteristic bluntness, declaring on social media that Topuria would "annihilate 100% of your roster," including Nurmagomedov himself. He also dismissed Abdelaziz's implication that the Gaethje loss defined Topuria's abilities, asserting that the former champion "had a bad night" but remains superior. Kawa added that if Topuria faced Gaethje again, "he will beat the shit out of him."

The manager's response extended to a broader challenge, naming potential opponents—Paddy Pimblett, Islam Makhachev, Nurmagomedov, and Gaethje—and promising that when Topuria returns, "you'll witness a masterclass." Kawa concluded by insisting in his assessment that Topuria remains the number-one fighter in the world despite the setback. The rhetoric reflects the competitive tension between Topuria's camp and Abdelaziz's stable of fighters as the Georgian-Spaniard prepares his comeback.