{"id":30984,"date":"2025-03-21T08:46:21","date_gmt":"2025-03-21T07:46:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/?p=30984"},"modified":"2025-03-21T08:46:28","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T07:46:28","slug":"ilia-topuria-gets-backing-from-former-opponent-for-potential-islam-makhachev-fight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/ilia-topuria-gets-backing-from-former-opponent-for-potential-islam-makhachev-fight\/","title":{"rendered":"Ilia Topuria Gets Backing From Former Opponent For Potential Islam Makhachev Fight!"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/a> featherweight division, capturing the title by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski in February 2024. He then successfully defending it against the legendary Max Holloway. <\/p>

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. <\/p>

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.<\/p>

Also Read: “Aura Gone”- Dricus Du Plessis Not Interested In Pursuing Fight With Defeated Champion<\/a><\/p>

Alexander Volkanovski’s Prediction<\/h2>

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.<\/p>

According to Volkanovski, Makhachev poses a unique challenge that few fighters can overcome. On the Believe You Me <\/strong>podcast, the former champion revealed the only realistic way to defeat Makhachev was by knockout, rather than outworking him over five rounds.<\/p>

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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.”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>

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