Mar 5, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, UNITED STATES; Umar Nurmagomedov (blue gloves) celebrates after defeating Brian Kelleher (not pictured) during UFC 272 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

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“Back To Clothing Store” – Umar Nurmagomedov Blasts Ilia Topuria After His Islam Makhachev “Herding Sheep” Comment

Trash talk in MMA usually stays within certain boundaries of respect. Fighters attack each other’s skills, fighting styles, and past performances. But sometimes the insults cross into personal territory. Ilia Topuria recently stepped over that line with comments about Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov was not having it.

He made a bizarre statement at a press conference in Georgia. He said if Makhachev loses to Jack Della Maddalena, Islam should go back to Dagestan and “herd the sheep.” Dagestan is a rural based community and farming is a way of life for the people there. But, it has produced some of the greatest fighters in all of combat sports history. The region’s fighting pedigree speaks for itself without needing any defense.

Ilia Topuria was asked if he’d still fight Islam Makhachev if he lost to JDM at #UFC322

“If Islam loses, he can go back to Dagestan to his farm and continue herding his sheep.” 😭

🎥 @BetssonSport pic.twitter.com/xDYsHDOhdM
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 17, 2025

Topuria was discussing a potential super-fight with Islam Makhachev at lightweight. Topuria stated he would only move up in weight if Makhachev defeated Della Maddalena first at UFC 321. If Islam lost that fight, Topuria claimed he would lose all interest. Nurmagomedov stepped up to defend his teammate and close friend. The bantamweight contender had some choice words for Topuria. The exchange revealed how personal rivalries can escalate beyond just fighting skills and championship belts.

Umar Nurmagomedov Takes The High Road While Firing Back

Umar Nurmagomedov addressed Topuria’s trash talk with wisdom beyond his years. He acknowledged that Islam does indeed own a farm in Dagestan. The property has sheep, goats, chickens, horses, deer and various other animals. But he emphasized that owning a farm has absolutely nothing to do with fighting ability. He hinted that they could bring up embarrassing details about the champion’s past. The young fighter specifically mentioned Topuria’s time working at a clothing store before his fighting career took off.

“We can say we will send Ilia Topuria back to the clothing store to sell again. But this is not appropriate.”

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Before his MMA career, Topuria (17-0) worked several jobs including cashier, grappling instructor, and beach and weekend security. Nurmagomedov made it clear they wouldn’t sink to that level of disrespecting his previous jobs. The message was simple: Don’t throw stones when you live in a glass house yourself.

Islam Makhachev has looked virtually unstoppable in his recent title defenses. His grappling remains at an elite level that few can match. If Topuria actually moves up to challenge Makhachev, that might be the biggest fight of the year. For now, the verbal sparring continues while fans wait to see if actions back up all these words.

(Image Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie – Imagn Images)

Ilia Topuria

Islam Makhachev

Umar Nurmagomedov

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!