Champion who fought Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria gives verdict for much-anticipated super fight

Enemy of 'Enemy' Alexander Volkanovski gives his take on potential Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev PPV lightweight superfight.

Champion who fought Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria gives verdict for much-anticipated super fight

Alexander Volkanovski weighs in on Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev possible super fight (Source: X/IMAGO)

Two of four title defenses for UFC champion Islam Makhachev have come against a featherweight. Hence, the longtime UFC 155-pound champ is not eager for another, in the form of Ilia Topuria. Topuria is relinquishing his 145-pound strap for a move to lightweight.

Despite the predicament, though, this is clearly the fight to make on a skill-to-skill level. A UFC title fight can end in a finish — but for whom? Alexander Volkanovski, who faced both in championship bouts, gives a lay of the land.

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Three weeks of fight night cards, and then “The Great” fights for the (soon) vacant 145-pound title strap at UFC 314 PPV headliner, April 12 event, which takes place at Kaseya Center in Miami. Volk is on a two-fight losing streak and 1-3 in his past four outings.

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The biggest of which came to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria (UFC 298 where he lost his belt). With knockout skid experiences from both, Alexander Volkanovski pitched in on a possible super fight.

I fought both of them, …Islam is gonna be a hard man to beat. I think the only chance of him losing is someone knocking him out, and if anyone can do it, it’s Ilia. Ilia has got some dangerous hands. Early on— in the first three rounds—he [Ilia] is gonna be dangerous.

Alexander Volkanovski on “Believe You Me” podcast 627 : St. Patrick Special Ft. Alexander Volkanovski and Oban Elliott (@bispingpodcast)

This skills test has been garnering so much hype that Islam Makhachev, who recently took a warrior-esque stand against a short-notice UFC 311 PPV opponent, is now facing blame for ducking. That too when there isn’t even any guarantee that this would be the way UFC matchmakers roll. Many industry veterans and analysts have supported the Dagestani’s wish to not perform against yet another 145lber.

Back when he won against the promotion’s No. 1 Pound-for-pound name Alexander Volkanovski, there was a weird stitch of two No. 1s. Makhachev had one too many battles against ’45 pounders in the current/former state. However, there’s no denying the weight ‘El Matador’ carries behind his name in this competition. Volk bills Topuria can do it with a shock statement in the early rounds.

Ilia Topuria goes on to hint at Islam Makhachev, despite reported refusal, during award ceremony

Antagonization is the name of the game and the Spaniard does it well. Ilia Topuria doused his crisp boxing and ceremonial roses in a promise to knock out the winds off top names. He did just that last February against kickboxer Alexander Volkanovski. Then, he drove up the bargain as if he and Max Holloway were on the tab for a UFC Spain PPV headliner; ‘Blessed’ had previously called him out on mic time after UFC 300.

Ilia Topuria amps up Islam Makhachev UFC lightweight title talks
Ilia Topuria amps up Islam Makhachev UFC lightweight title talks (Source: X)

That got the conversation rolling so far on that he did knock out Holloway during the UFC 308 PPV event headliner. Now, Climent Club feels he can punctuate a grappling game that is better than even his boxing. With a move up to lightweight, a challenge against 4x Russian sambo champ/submissions specialist, southpaw variable shot select and out-boxer (5 KOs), and kickboxer Islam Makhachev has become mandatory.

Makhachev has rebated that he has any offers for such a matchup. Even Team AKA coach Javier Mendez wants a win or two before facing top contenders. But the Georgian-Spanish fighter keeps driving up the bargain. Topuria did just that in a recent media awards appearance at the National Sports Gala held in Valladolid.

I’ve changed weight divisions, …Now we have the conquest of another division on the horizon — First of all it’s an honor to receive this award, thank you Valladolid for receiving me so warmly. It’s truly a pleasure to be here before you. Thank you…

Ilia Topuria said

Topuria will be relieved to have avoided another cut to 145, even if Islam Makhachev doesn’t give him his crack at lightweight gold. After tough hydration on the scales, Topuria douses better power at 155. Makhachev is a transitional grappler bigger in size. He has dominant space control with the chaining of singles and passes. However, Topuria believes he is a better fighter and is working his way up to prove just that.

Related: 3 fights to make for Islam Makhachev amidst lightweight division drama