Team Khabib questions Ilia Topuria’s grappling prowess; dares him to turn up to Dagestan

Team Khabib has issued a bold challenge to Ilia Topuria following comments about submitting Islam Makhachev in a fight.

Team Khabib questions Ilia Topuria’s grappling prowess; dares him to turn up to Dagestan

Team Khabib warns Ilia Topuria for taking a dig at Islam Makhachev (Image via Instagram/UFC)

Ilia Topuria’s impressive rise in MMA has been accompanied by a noticeable increase in his confidence during recent performances. After his latest fight, Topuria made some bold statements regarding the current UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev. However, these claims did not sit well with Team Khabib. In response, they issued a provocatively worded challenge.

Ilia Topuria defeated Max Holloway at UFC 308. Following this victory, Topuria received significant praise from the community, which greatly boosted his confidence. As a result, the Spaniard made a new promise, vowing to become the first person to submit Islam Makhachev. Recently, one of Makhachev’s coaches, Javier Mendez, seemed to dismiss Topuria’s claims.

You (Ilia Topuria) come into Dagestan and you submit everybody there then we can talk. But if you’re doing it at home, you’re not doing it with the beasts out of Abdulmanap’s gym, then I don’t know…

Javier Mendez via Red Corner MMA
YouTube video

The rivalry between Team Khabib and Topuria has been brewing for a while and is characterized by a continuous exchange of heated insults. The Spanish fighter has frequently directed sharp comments at Makhachev, attempting to undermine the UFC lightweight champion’s abilities. At one point, Topuria intensified the conflict by provocatively challenging Makhachev to a street fight.

FS Video

In response to Topuria’s comments, Team Khabib issued a warning, suggesting that he might want to reconsider his bravado when confronting fighters from Dagestan. Additionally, after Topuria’s recent victory, a Russian reporter confronted him about street fighting. Topuria found it offensive and he lashed out at the reporter.

Javier Mendez appears to be confident in his disciple’s grappling abilities. He believes Topuria would face significant challenges if he tried to submit Makhachev. Similarly, another prominent figure in the UFC community also thinks that the Spaniard would struggle against the Dagestani fighter in a potential matchup.

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Alexander Volkanovski believes Ilia Topuria cannot trouble Islam Makhachev in a potential fight

Ilia Topuria made his promotional debut in 2020 and has since established himself as a formidable fighter. He is known for his exceptional striking skills, which have enabled him to defeat several prominent opponents in his division. The Spaniard is celebrated for his impressive striking abilities, as demonstrated on multiple occasions.

Alexander Volkanovski previews the potential fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria
Alexander Volkanovski previews the potential fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria (Image via Imago)

Despite Ilia Topuria’s accomplishments, Alexander Volkanovski does not have confidence in the Spaniard’s chances in a potential fight against Makhachev. As a UFC veteran who has competed against both fighters, Volkanovski has recently provided a detailed analysis of how a matchup between Topuria and Makhachev might play out.

Islam (Makhachev) is really very good. He is strong, attentive. But Ilia (Topuria) is such a guy who can knock out anyone. He got power in hands… But I feel you need to show more in order to be favourite especially against somebody like Islam…

Alexander Volkanovski via Submission Radio
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Makhachev has consistently demonstrated his skills by defeating tough opponents. In contrast, Topuria is still early in his UFC career. This distinction has led people like Volkanovski to favor the lightweight champion over the featherweight champion. However, as of now, there has been no official announcement regarding this fight, and it remains to be seen how the promotion views the possibility.