Manager Ali Abdelaziz says Ilia Topuria could suffer a similar fate as Dillon Danis if he continues to taunt Islam Makhachev.

Just before Islam Makhachev won a second UFC title at UFC 322 over Jack Della Maddalena, members of his team were escorted out of Madison Square Garden after getting into a brawl with Dillon Danis cageside. The incident happened after months of bad blood between Danis, Makhachev, and their respective teams online.

Makhachev could potentially face UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria sooner rather than later, in what would be one of the biggest fights in the promotion’s history. Topuria is expected to return to defend the UFC lightweight title early next year after defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.

Ahead of a potential super fight, Makhachev and Topuria have exchanged barbs in the media for months, including immediately after UFC 322. Makhachev’s manager believes Topuria could potentially get confronted in a similar fashion to how Danis was at UFC 322.

Ali Abdelaziz warns Ilia Topuria ahead of potential Islam Makhachev run-in

During a recent appearance on the Believe You Me podcast, manager Ali Abdelaziz warned Topuria against taunting Makhachev and his team.

“Honestly, I don’t understand (Topuria), in my opinion, just be yourself,” Abdelaziz began on Topuria.

“I’ve met this guy before, he’s a decent guy, but in a way we get this thing from him, you haven’t even defended your title once – Islam defended four times. Have a couple of fights and then Islam will fight him, no problem.

“Create your own legacy… I feel like he’s taking a page out of Conor (McGregor’s) book… People think they can go on the internet and talk, but one day you’re going to meet the same people you talk about. He’s in the same situation Dillon Danis was in too.” (h/t Bloody Elbow)