Fighter who fought both Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria gives his insight on the potential blockbuster fight!
Fighters rarely get endorsements from the very opponents they have defeated. Yet that’s exactly what’s happening with Ilia Topuria right now. The Spanish-Georgian fighter has been making waves in the UFC featherweight division, capturing the title by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski in February 2024. He then successfully defending it against the legendary Max Holloway.
Now, Topuria has set his sights on moving up to challenge lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. He is getting an unexpected vote of confidence from Alexander Volkanovski himself.
Volkanovski knows both fighters intimately from sharing the octagon with them. He brings a unique perspective to this potential matchup. Having felt the power of Topuria’s punches firsthand and also experiencing Makhachev’s dominant grappling style, the Australian fighter has become something of an expert analyst on this dream matchup.
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Ilia Topuria’s decision to vacate his featherweight title demonstrates serious commitment to his lightweight ambitions. Rather than trying to be a “double champ” and potentially holding up two divisions, he has gone all-in on chasing Makhachev’s belt. Volkanovski respected this move, calling it “fair.” The featherweight division can now move forward while Topuria pursues what would be a stunning achievement – dethroning the man currently ranked as UFC’s pound-for-pound best fighter.
According to Volkanovski, Makhachev poses a unique challenge that few fighters can overcome. On the Believe You Me podcast, the former champion revealed the only realistic way to defeat Makhachev was by knockout, rather than outworking him over five rounds.
Islam is going to be a hard man to beat, for anyone. I think the only chance of him losing is someone knocking him out. And if anyone can do it, it’s Ilia Topuria.”
This is precisely where Topuria’s chances shine brightest. He has devastating knockout power that has floored elite fighters like Volkanovski and Holloway. Topuria brings exactly the kind of threat that could pierce Makhachev’s seemingly impenetrable armor.
Volkanovski praised Topuria’s dangerous hands, composure under pressure, and relentless hunting for knockout opportunities. The early rounds of a potential fight would be particularly hard for Makhachev, as Topuria’s fresh power and striking accuracy would pose significant threats.
The fight remains hypothetical for now, but the buzz is building.
Islam Makhachev has established himself as a dominant champion following in the footsteps of his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov. Meanwhile Ilia Topuria represents the new wave of European talent rising to MMA prominence. If the matchup materializes, it would pit Makhachev’s suffocating grappling against Topuria’s knockout power. This would be a classic striker versus grappler confrontation at the highest level!
(Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez – Imagn Images)
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