The MMA world is buzzing with anticipation as rumors swirl around a potential super-fight between UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev and former Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 on June 28 during International Fight Week. While Makhachev has reigned supreme at 155 pounds, Topuria, the undefeated knockout artist, has boldly claimed he will not only dethrone the Dagestani king but utterly destroy him in the Octagon. Here’s the truth about why “El Matador” is poised to shock the world and hand Makhachev his first loss in over a decade.
Topuria’s Lethal Striking: A Nightmare for Makhachev
Ilia Topuria (16-0, 8-0 UFC) has proven himself as one of the most devastating strikers in the UFC, with back-to-back knockouts over featherweight legends Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway—two fighters Makhachev struggled to finish despite defeating them. Topuria became the first to knock out Volkanovski at 145 pounds and the first ever to finish Holloway via strikes, showcasing a level of power and precision that Makhachev has never faced. In an interview with Marca, Makhachev himself acknowledged Topuria’s striking prowess, noting that his boxing is “a little bit dangerous” when facing opponents with similar skills. But what Makhachev may not realize is that Topuria’s hands aren’t just dangerous—they’re nuclear.
Alexander Volkanovski, who has faced both fighters, recently shared his thoughts on the BYM Podcast, stating, “Islam is gonna be a hard man to beat, but 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.” Volkanovski’s prediction aligns with Topuria’s own confidence, as he told the PBD Podcast, “I feel that I have the advantage in everything.” Makhachev’s striking, often described as functional but not elite, was exposed in his first fight with Volkanovski at UFC 284, where he was out-struck in several exchanges. Against Topuria, who hits harder and faster than Volkanovski, Makhachev could be in for a rude awakening.
Topuria’s Grappling: Underrated and Overlooked
While Makhachev (27-1, 16-1 UFC) is widely regarded as one of the best grapplers in MMA, with 13 submission wins and a suffocating top game, Topuria’s ground skills are criminally underrated. A Greco-Roman wrestling background gives Topuria a strong foundation, and he has already submitted grappling specialist Bryce Mitchell in the UFC, proving he can hold his own on the mat. In a bold statement to Bloody Elbow, Topuria claimed he’d submit Makhachev with his own favorite move, guessing it to be a “D’arce or guillotine,” adding, “If he says that, I go for that. It’s gonna be even more entertaining for me.” Topuria’s confidence isn’t just bravado—he’s beaten opponents at their own game before, and he plans to do the same to Makhachev.
Belal Muhammad, a training partner of Makhachev, warned on MMA Fighting that if Makhachev takes Topuria down, “you’re not getting back up.” But Topuria’s ability to stuff takedowns and scramble back to his feet, as seen in his fight with Mitchell, suggests he won’t be an easy target for Makhachev’s wrestling. Moreover, Topuria’s stocky build and low center of gravity could neutralize Makhachev’s size advantage, which #7-ranked lightweight Mateusz Gamrot cited as a key reason Topuria might struggle. However, at 5’7” compared to Makhachev’s 5’10”, Topuria is only an inch taller than Volkanovski, who gave Makhachev a tough grappling battle despite the size difference.
Makhachev’s Hesitation: A Sign of Fear?
Makhachev and his team have been vocal about their reluctance to face Topuria, with Khabib Nurmagomedov and manager Rizvan Magomedov insisting that Topuria must “earn” a title shot by beating a top lightweight contender first. Makhachev himself told Reddit’s r/MMA community, “If I beat him, what will that do for me?”—a statement that reeks of insecurity rather than confidence. Topuria fired back on social media, saying, “Khabib knows I’m the one to take the belt from Islam. Only reason he doesn’t want Islam to fight me.” This hesitation from Makhachev’s camp, coupled with their history of facing criticism for fighting smaller featherweights like Volkanovski, suggests they’re wary of Topuria’s unique threat.
Merab Dvalishvili, speaking to ChampRDS, called out Makhachev’s excuses: “Islam’s saying ‘oh I don’t want to fight small guys’, what small? Ilia’s the f***ing biggest name.” Topuria’s star power, backed by his knockout victories and undefeated record, makes this fight a commercial juggernaut—something even Makhachev’s team can’t ignore. The fact that Topuria vacated his featherweight title at UFC 314 to chase this fight, as reported by The Sportster, shows his commitment to proving he’s the best in the world, not just at 145 pounds but at 155 as well.
The X-Factor: Topuria’s Killer Instinct
What sets Topuria apart is his unshakable belief in himself and his ability to finish fights. He told Main Event TV, “Islam is a great fighter, #1 P4P, but for me, it’s me, I’m the best in the world, and I know I can do with him whatever I want because I’m much better than him.” This confidence isn’t just talk—Topuria has backed it up every time, finishing 12 of his 16 wins, including his last two against the featherweight GOATs. Makhachev, while dominant, has shown vulnerabilities, particularly on the feet, and has never faced a striker with Topuria’s power and aggression.
Fans on platforms like Reddit have debated the matchup intensely, with some pointing out that Volkanovski won several grappling exchanges against Makhachev in their first fight, suggesting Topuria’s grappling could make it competitive on the ground. Others highlight Topuria’s hand speed and power as a potential game-changer, especially if he can keep the fight standing. The consensus among Topuria’s supporters is clear: if anyone can dethrone Makhachev, it’s “El Matador.”
Why Topuria Will Destroy Makhachev
The truth is simple—Ilia Topuria is a stylistic nightmare for Islam Makhachev. His concussive striking, underrated grappling, and relentless pressure will exploit Makhachev’s weaknesses in a way no one has before. Makhachev’s size advantage, while notable, won’t be enough to overcome Topuria’s power, especially given Topuria’s ability to close distance and land bombs. If Makhachev tries to grapple, Topuria’s wrestling and submission game will keep him safe, allowing him to turn the fight into a striking battle where he holds a clear edge.
Makhachev’s team may be hesitant, but the fight feels inevitable, especially with reports from The Sportster indicating the UFC is targeting UFC 317 for this blockbuster showdown. When that day comes, expect Topuria to deliver on his promise to “make it look easy,” knocking out Makhachev inside two rounds and cementing his legacy as a two-division champion. The king of lightweight is about to fall, and Ilia Topuria will be the one to take his crown.
