Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Alexander Volkanovski Feels One Fighter Has The Edge In The Potential Topuria vs. Makhachev Title Clash!

Alexander Volkanovski reveals his prediction for the potential Ilia vs. Islam fight and he is now leaning towards one of them!

Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Few fighters understand the MMA game better than fighters who have battled at the highest levels. Alexander Volkanovski knows this terrain intimately. He has walked the tightrope between victory and defeat more times than most.

When talking about the upcoming potential fight between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev at lightweight, Volkanovski has his opinion. Till now, he was on the fence about who has the edge between these two fighters. But now, it seems that the former featherweight champion has made up his mind.

Alexander Volkanovski Shares His Perspective

Volkanovski recently dropped a bombshell prediction about a potential lightweight showdown between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. His insights aren’t just random speculation. They’re born from firsthand experience, having fought both athletes in recent battles.

“It all comes down to: Can Ilia catch him? He knows he will eventually find the chin. He can knock out anyone in the lightweight division. I’m going with what I know—and I know Ilia can hit hard. I have felt it firsthand,” said Volkanovski in an interview with Demetrious Johnson.

Alexander Volkanovski favors Ilia Topuria slightly over Islam Makhachev 😲👀

"It all comes down to: Can Ilia catch him? He knows he'll eventually find the chin. He can knock out anyone in the lightweight division. I'm going with what I know—and I know Ilia can hit hard. I’ve… pic.twitter.com/AIqj6PRIbT
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 26, 2025

What makes Volkanovski’s prediction so compelling is that he has literally felt the power of both fighters. Topuria knocked him out at UFC 297, while he previously challenged Makhachev for the lightweight title, where he got knocked out as well. This unique position gives him a credibility that most commentators can only dream about. However, he feels that Topuria has that extra edge, that punchers chance that can shut the lights out for Makhachev.

Ilia Topuria vs Islam Makhachev: Volkanovski Gives A Comparison

The Australian fighter has fought Islam Makhachev twice. Once,he went to the distance and the next time, he was KO’d in the first round. He believes Topuria might struggle in the later rounds against Makhachev’s defensive style. His grappling and ability to take control of the fight makes him an nearly unbeatable opponent.

The most intriguing part of Volkanovski’s breakdown is his respect for Topuria’s striking. “If he puts hands on anyone, it’s game over,” he explained. This isn’t just praise, It is a warning. Topuria’s ability to land knockout blows has been proven across weight classes. His recent move from featherweight to lightweight has only added to the excitement.

Beyond physical skills, this potential fight is a mental chess match. While the fight isn’t confirmed, the MMA community is already buzzing. Topuria’s bold move up a weight class and Makhachev’s dominant championship reign make this a mouth-watering potential matchup. Volkanovski’s prediction adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling story!

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

Alexander Volkanovksi

Ilia Topuria

Islam Makhachev

Zaid Quraishi

mma

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!