From the opening bell, Topuria’s aggression was palpable. He came out swinging with relentless strikes, and it became clear early on that Makhachev, the reigning champion in his division, would have his work cut out for him. Known for his high-level wrestling and striking, Makhachev is no stranger to pressure in the octagon, but Topuria’s overwhelming speed and power pushed him to the edge.
Topuria’s striking was precise and devastating, landing with accuracy and force that left Makhachev struggling to keep up. The Georgian fighter demonstrated his superior grappling as well, finding ways to neutralize Makhachev’s attempts to control the pace of the fight. It wasn’t long before Topuria began to dominate every aspect of the fight, leaving Makhachev with few options but to survive the onslaught.
The most brutal moment of the fight came in the second round, when Topuria landed a savage blow that sent Makhachev crashing to the mat. The impact was so severe that the referee initially considered stepping in to stop the fight. Makhachev, however, managed to get back to his feet, though it was clear that he was disoriented and in a state of serious distress.As the fight continued, Topuria’s strikes became increasingly aggressive, and Makhachev found himself backed into a corner, unable to mount any significant offense.
The reigning champion appeared to be struggling with his movements, unable to defend himself effectively from the barrage of attacks coming from Topuria.It became increasingly evident that the fight was taking its toll on Makhachev, and by the third round, his body was showing the signs of the brutal punishment he had endured. His vision was impaired, his movements sluggish, and his ability to defend himself was compromised.
As the final round approached, Makhachev’s corner was visibly concerned, and the medical team began to prepare for potential intervention.At this point, the referee took the rare step of pausing the fight, allowing the doctor to assess Makhachev’s condition. The doctor’s intervention became crucial, as Makhachev was deemed unfit to continue the fight due to the overwhelming damage he had sustained. The referee ultimately declared Topuria the winner by TKO, citing the inability of Makhachev to continue due to the severe damage.For Makhachev, the loss is undoubtedly a blow to his reputation, as he had previously been regarded as one of the best fighters in the world. However, it is important to note that he fought bravely, enduring tremendous punishment before finally being forced to concede defeat. His resilience in the face of such adversity speaks to his character, and many believe that he will return stronger from this setback.
