3 Reasons Ilia Topuria vs Islam Makhachev Superfight Is Still Not Dead

Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria superfight can still happen after the Dagestani's welterweight move and relinquishing the lightweight belt.

3 Reasons Ilia Topuria vs Islam Makhachev Superfight Is Still Not Dead

Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria (via X)

Since the rise of Ilia Topuria by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, fans were interested in him fighting Islam Makhachev. Both fighters impressed everybody with their complete skill set, both on the ground and on their feet in fights. Things were going well until Islam Makhachev left the lightweight division, but the chances of the superfight happening still remain alive.

Since dominating the featherweight division, Topuria had called out Islam Makhachev for a potential fight, which resulted in various verbal exchanges. Topuria wanted to become a double champion but had to vacate and move up and was urged to fight Makhachev and nobody else. However, the Dagestani had no interest as beating another featherweight wouldn’t add to his legacy.

The intense personal rivalry between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria 

Before UFC 315, both Makhachev and Topuria began training camp, sparking rumors of a fight during International Fight Week. However, following Belal Muhammad’s loss, Makhachev chose to move up and Dana White announced the lightweight title was vacated. At the same time, Topuria was booked to face former champion Charles Oliveira for the now-vacant lightweight championship belt.

The brutal rivalry between Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria
The brutal rivalry between Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria (via X)

As Topuria warned Oliveira about losing at UFC 317, he also accused Makhachev of avoiding the roster’s biggest potential fight. The pound-for-pound king responded by highlighting his reign as lightweight champion, successfully defending his title four consecutive times with dominant performances.

Still, Topuria continued trash-talking and labeled Makhachev a coward, which only escalated tensions and made the rivalry nastier. If the Georgian-Spanish star claims the lightweight belt at UFC 317, the superfight is back on as the Dagestani fighter could make a return in the future.

Islam Makhachev potentially coming back to the lightweight division 

Due to his dominant pound-for-pound reign, Islam Makhachev remains a fan favorite against every contender in the welterweight division. However, after UFC 315, Jack Della Maddalena gained massive popularity for his slick head movement and explosive, dynamic striking ability. Now, many fans believe JDM can beat Makhachev in a title fight and send him back down to lightweight again.

Islam Makhachev's ability to dominate the welterweight division
Islam Makhachev’s ability to dominate the welterweight division (via X)

Apart from that, Makhachev could absolutely dismantle Della Maddalena using his superior wrestling dominance and world-class submission skills inside the octagon. Following that, he’ll likely defend the title against top-ranked contenders like Sean Brady, Ian Garry, and explosive striker Joaquin Buckley.

Still, he might drop back down to lightweight in the hopes of becoming a simultaneous double champion. For that, he will have to beat Topuria or whoever is the champion. This will finally silence all accusations of ducking that the P4P king has faced recently.

Ilia Topuria’s dream of becoming the first three-division champion 

Since his debut, Ilia Topuria has consistently displayed remarkable confidence while making bold, never-before-seen challenges to elite UFC competition. He has backed up his loud talk by delivering dominant performances, silencing critics and turning doubters into surprised believers worldwide. ‘El Matador’ predicted he’d become featherweight champion and fulfilled that prophecy in dominant fashion by defeating Alexander Volkanovski without any hesitation.

Ilia Topuria featherweight run (via Instagram)
Ilia Topuria (via Instagram)

He did the same by knocking out Max Holloway, a legend known for having one of the best chins in UFC history. Similarly, Topuria spoke confidently about winning three UFC belts before turning thirty, a claim many initially dismissed as ridiculous talk. Still, in an interview with TNT Sports, he revealed plans to gain weight, making a smooth transition to the welterweight division soon.

Probably a three-weight world champion, this is my goal. You’re not going to see me in the welterweight division like this, skinny. You’re going to see me different. That’s the goal. Move up to the lightweight division, get that belt, then move up to the welterweight division.

At UFC 317, Topuria enters as the fan favorite, riding explosive momentum and for his one-punch knockout power and precision. Defeating Oliveira wouldn’t shock many, considering Topuria’s current form and hunger to capture the UFC lightweight championship belt decisively. Should Islam Makhachev move to capture welterweight gold, Topuria could pursue greatness by challenging him for a rare double-champion opportunity.

Also Read: