Ilia Topuria doubles down on ‘nothing special’ Islam Makhachev after teasing super fight 

Superstar Ilia Topuria questions UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev's abilities as he teases his next fight.

Ilia Topuria doubles down on ‘nothing special’ Islam Makhachev after teasing super fight 

Ilia Topuria believes Islam Makhachev doesn't have anything special (via Imago/X)

Ilia Topuria has officially vacated his featherweight title, and is now making the move to the lightweight division. The Georgian-Spanish fighter has set his sights on a title shot against reigning 155-pound champion Islam Makhachev. While there were initially some uncertainties surrounding the potential matchup, recent updates have provided much more clarity.

Topuria recently tweeted about a potential fight announcement that will shock everybody in the MMA community. This tweet went viral catching the attention of millions of fans who made their own speculations. After that in a newly released interview, the fighter further talked about potentially beating Makhachev. 

I just feel that I’m better than him anywhere, and he is a great fighter, he has great wrestling. For me personally, I don’t see anything special about him in the striking. In the ground, he’s a good fighter, he’s tough, he’s strong. He seems really strong. He’s tough. Islam’s very tough, but at the same time, I don’t know what could make me doubt myself that I won’t knock him out or submit him.

Ilia Topuria via hardnews 
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Topuria made headlines last year when he knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to win the featherweight championship at UFC 298. Later, he fought the legendary Max Holloway and knocked him out as well in a brutal fashion. He is a sniper and has the power to finish anybody in the 155 division.

However, the fighter has also mentioned that he’s more capable on the feet and can also submit someone like Makhachev. The Dagestan fighter has some of the most lethal submissions in the sport and he won’t make it that easy for Topuria. In his debut lightweight bout, Topuria will have to go against the best fighter in the world. 

Why Islam Makhachev deserves to be the Pound-for-pound best in the world 

Islam Makhachev has established himself as the undisputed force in the lightweight division. Since capturing the 155-pound title, Makhachev has showcased a dominant blend of elite grappling, relentless pressure, and ever-improving striking. His reign has seen him dispatch top contenders with relative ease, reinforcing his status as one of the most well-rounded fighters. 

Islam Makhachev beats Charles Oliveira to become the champion
Islam Makhachev beats Charles Oliveira to become the champion (via X)

With multiple title defenses under his belt, Makhachev has silenced doubters and solidified his grip on the division. He is the current pound-for-pound king and there are not many doubts about that. UFC veteran Joe Rogan recently talked about why Makhachev’s dominance is unbelievable. 

He is a f***** monster. When he gets guys on the ground. He just crushes them….His dealing with a deeper talent pool. So his weight class, is in my opinion is the most talent rich weight pool in the sport. 155 lbs is filled with assassins. 

Joe Rogan via JRE 
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Throughout its history, the UFC lightweight division has always been the most competitive one. With the addition of Ilia Topuria, it has become more entertaining, and fans are hyped. Top lightweights have already welcomed the former featherweight champion, and it’s time for him to prove his mettle.

Related: Islam Makhachev Net Worth, Endorsements, UFC contract, Wife and House