Ilia Topuria ‘stretches’ Islam Makhachev claims MMA Analyst
The potential fight between UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria and UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev garners attention from many.
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Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria might face each other soon (Image via Imago)
The idea of a fight between champions from different weight classes has always generated excitement within the UFC community. Over the years, fans have seen many intriguing matchups between champions. Recently, there has been significant buzz regarding a potential fight between UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria and UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Recently, top MMA analyst Luke Thomas shared his thoughts on the potential champion vs. champion fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. During the discussion, Thomas expressed his confidence in the Spaniard’s MMA prowess. As such, he believes Topuria can comfortably defeat the Dagestani in one specific aspect of the game.
I really do believe that if the fight stays on the feet, as good as Islam (Makhachev) is, I think (Ilia) Topuria absolutely takes his soul. I don’t think people really understand, I mean maybe they do now but for a while there they were kind of not really grasping what kind of a boxer Ilia Topuria is and how much better he’s gotten over time. I think he just absolutely stretches him (Makhachev) if that fight stays on the feet.
Luke Thomas via Submission Radio (Check from 15:40)
This comes after the UFC featherweight champion’s decision to move up to the lightweight division in order to pursue his ambitions of becoming a double champion. As a result, Topuria has set his sights on Makhachev’s lightweight title. Interestingly, the Spaniard began calling for this matchup even before he had defended his featherweight title.
Most recently, Topuria defeated Max Holloway at UFC 308 by showing exquisite boxing skills. Following that victory, his aspirations for the title were further fueled by additional callouts and his growing confidence in his ability to defeat Makhachev.
According to top MMA analyst Luke Thomas, Topuria has a dominant stand-up game, which he can capitalize on more effectively than Makhachev. Meanwhile, the lightweight champion employs a wrestling-dominant style, recently defeating top striker Dustin Poirier in his last fight. Interestingly, despite the warnings and callouts, there is no bad blood between Team Makhachev and Team Topuria.
Islam Makhachev’s coach commends Ilia Topuria for being a classy fighter
Over the years, the UFC community has witnessed numerous intriguing rivalries, often sparked by harsh and brutal comments. A notable example is the rivalry between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov. In contrast, the budding rivalry between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev has not been filled with hatred and critical comments about each other, which is commended by Makhachev’s team.
The UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, trains with elite fighters and coaches. Recently, top MMA coach Jorge Mendez, who is the head coach of Makhachev, commented on the potential fight between Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. During the discussion, Mendez praised Topuria for not resorting to trash talk in order to secure a fight.
I respect it. I mean, he’s coming in and he’s not attacking family, religion or this or that…. He’s keeping it very classy. He’s coming after fighters, and there’s zero wrong with what he’s doing and I admire him. I respect him.
Javier Mendez on his podcast
Although Topuria and Makhchev did engage in a back-and-forth they didn’t keep it dirty, which Mendez particularly highlighted. Interestingly, Makhachev has always dismissed the possibility of fighting Topuria. He is currently set to face Arman Tsarukyan on UFC 311 in January 2025. As for the Spaniard, who he will fight next remains to be seen.
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Nilaav Gogoi
(588 Articles Published)