Jun 24, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Ilia Topuria (blue gloves) wins a unanimous decision against Josh Emmett (red gloves) in a featherweight bout during UFC Fight Night at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

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‘I Will Submit Him Closer To Khabib’ – Ilia Topuria Makes Huge Claim About Submitting Islam Makhachev In Potential Showdown

Ilia Topuria showcases confidence in his submission game in a potential champion vs. champion fight against Islam Makhachev!

Confidence in MMA isn’t just a trait, it is a weapon. Fighters who doubt themselves rarely make it far. The really special ones, though? They believe they can conquer mountains and Ilia Topuria is one of them. The undefeated featherweight champion has torn through the division, leaving unconscious bodies in his wake. His latest victims include legends Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, both finished in spectacular fashion.

Now, ‘La Leyenda’ has his sights set on even bigger prey. After officially vacating his 145-pound title for Volkanovski and Diego Lopes to battle over at UFC 314, Topuria is moving up to the lightweight division. But he is not interested in working his way up. The Georgian-Spanish fighter wants an immediate shot at Islam Makhachev, the dominant champion who sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings. And in true Topuria fashion, he is not just saying he will win, he is promising something much more dramatic.

Also Read: “Sadly You Act Like A Champion” – Daniel Cormier Accuses Alexander Volkanovski Ahead Of His UFC 314 Main Event!

Ilia Topuria’s Bold Challenge

During a recent appearance on the PBD Podcast, Topuria didn’t just claim he could beat Makhachev, he vowed to submit him. He even took it a step further, saying he would ask Makhachev about his favorite submission and then finish him with that very technique! But perhaps the most audacious part of his claim was bringing Khabib Nurmagomedov into the equation. Topuria promised to submit Makhachev right in front of his mentor.

“This is what I truly believe. Me, personally, I would ask him, ‘What’s your favorite submission?’ Whatever, I don’t know, D’Arce choke. I’m going to submit you with that…I take him close to Khabib. I will submit him closer to Khabib. Khabib used to take people on his shoulder, take them down, and talk to Dana. I will do it to Khabib. I will take [Makhachev] and then talk to Khabib. Khabib, I have to do it.”

😳🔥Ilia Topuria wants to submit Islam Makhachev with a D’Arce choke next to Khabib:

"Khabib used to take people down and talk to Dana. I will take Islam Makhachev down [next] to Khabib — and talk to him."

🎥 @PBDsPodcast ▫️ pic.twitter.com/d2Wh3d1cDK
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) April 11, 2025

The level of confidence is almost comical as was seen by the host’s reaction. But given Topuria’s perfect 16-0 record and his propensity to do what he says, it is hard to dismiss his words completely.

Will Makhachev vs. Topuria Ever Happen??

While Khabib Nurmagomedov has suggested that Topuria should earn his shot at lightweight rather than receiving an immediate title opportunity, the featherweight champion believes the business of fighting operates differently.

🚨 Khabib Nurmagomedov says Ilia Topuria can beat Charles Oliveira:

“If he moves up [to Lightweight] and beats Charles Oliveira, I think he deserves [a title shot]. And I think he can beat him.”

🎥 @pound4poundshow ▫️ pic.twitter.com/ehVhM4Nq8t
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) December 16, 2024

He is not wrong. The UFC has always favored big-money matchups over rigid ranking systems. With Topuria’s star power rising and his incredible knockout ability, a champion versus champion showdown would certainly sell pay-per-views. Dana White likely sees dollar signs when thinking about this potential matchup, especially considering Makhachev’s recent dominance. The lightweight champion has won fifteen straight fights since his lone loss in 2015, including four successful title defenses.

What makes this potential clash so fascinating is the stylistic matchup. Makhachev, following in Khabib’s footsteps, has dominated opponents with his suffocating grappling (and better striking that Nurmagomedov). Topuria, meanwhile, has shown incredible power in his hands but also possesses a strong ground game. Could he really submit one of the most feared grapplers in the sport? Most would say no, but that is exactly what makes Topuria special. He not only believes he can, but he is willing to tell the world about it before he has even stepped into the octagon!

(Image Credit: David Yeazell – Imagn Images)

Ilia Topuria

Islam Makhachev

Khabib Nurmagomedov

UFC

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!