In the fast-paced world of mixed martial arts (MMA), bold statements are nothing new. Fighters often use trash talk to build hype, gain attention, and create anticipation for potential future fights. But every once in a while, a statement is made that shakes the entire MMA community—and that’s exactly what happened when Ilia Topuria made a jaw-dropping claim.
The undefeated UFC featherweight contender has declared that he would “crush” Islam Makhachev if they ever faced off in the octagon. Not just defeat him—crush him. That’s a bold statement when you consider that Makhachev is the reigning UFC lightweight champion, a fighter who has dominated the division with his suffocating Dagestani wrestling and world-class grappling.
But does Ilia Topuria have a legitimate case? Could he really be the one to dethrone the lightweight king, or is this just another case of a fighter hyping himself up for attention?
Let’s dive deep into the bold claim, the reaction from the MMA world, and what a potential fight between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev could look like.
Who Is Ilia Topuria, and Why Does He Believe He Can Beat Makhachev?
To the casual UFC fan, Ilia Topuria may not yet be a household name—but he’s rapidly becoming one. With an undefeated record, devastating knockout power, and a relentless fighting style, he’s proving to be one of the most dangerous contenders in the featherweight division.
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So why would a featherweight—a fighter who competes at 145 pounds—set his sights on Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion at 155 pounds?
1. Topuria’s Unshakable Confidence
Topuria is known for his supreme self-belief. Unlike other rising contenders who slowly build their way to title contention, Topuria has never shied away from making bold predictions about his future.
“Makhachev has never fought someone like me,” Topuria told a Spanish media outlet. “I would break him.”
He has hinted at moving up to lightweight in the future, making this potential fight more realistic than people think.
His confidence isn’t just bravado—he truly believes he is the future of the UFC.
2. Topuria’s Devastating Skillset
What makes Topuria so dangerous?
Elite Boxing: He is one of the sharpest strikers in the featherweight division, possessing knockout power in both hands.
Explosive Finishing Ability: He doesn’t just win fights—he dominates them. Many of his wins come via knockout or submission.
High-Level Grappling: While not on the same level as Dagestani wrestlers, Topuria has a strong Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu base, making him a threat on the ground as well.
These attributes make Topuria an exciting prospect, but do they translate into an actual advantage against a fighter like Islam Makhachev?
How Has Islam Makhachev Responded to Topuria’s Challenge?
The reigning UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, is not a man of many words. Unlike some fighters who engage in social media trash talk, Makhachev prefers to let his dominance speak for itself.
But despite Topuria’s bold statements, Makhachev has remained silent—for now.
1. Does Makhachev Even Consider Topuria a Threat?
From Makhachev’s perspective, Topuria isn’t even in his division. He’s not a lightweight, hasn’t fought at 155 pounds in the UFC, and hasn’t earned a shot at the lightweight title.
Sources close to Makhachev’s camp have dismissed Topuria’s claim as nothing more than attention-seeking.
Dagestani fighters rarely engage in verbal battles; they believe in proving their skills inside the cage.
To Makhachev, there are bigger challenges ahead, such as defending his belt against top-ranked lightweights.
2. Could Makhachev’s Silence Be a Strategic Move?
There’s also a possibility that Makhachev’s silence is intentional. If he dismisses Topuria outright, it keeps the Georgian-Spanish fighter out of the conversation. But if he acknowledges Topuria’s challenge, it adds legitimacy to the potential fight.
So the real question remains—if this fight ever happens, who would actually win?
Breaking Down the Fight: Who Has the Advantage?
If a fight between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev ever materialized, it would be a battle of two completely different styles.
1. Striking Battle: Clear Advantage – Topuria
One of Islam Makhachev’s few weaknesses has been his striking. While he has made improvements, he remains a grappler-first fighter.
Ilia Topuria is the far superior striker in this matchup.
His boxing is crisp, precise, and deadly—a single punch could change the fight.
Makhachev has been dropped before, notably against Alexander Volkanovski, proving that he is hittable.
If Topuria can keep the fight standing, he has a legitimate path to victory.
2. Grappling & Wrestling: Clear Advantage – Makhachev
If Islam Makhachev gets his hands on Ilia Topuria, things could go downhill fast.
Makhachev’s Dagestani wrestling is world-class, making it nearly impossible for opponents to escape once taken down.
Topuria is a strong grappler, but he has never faced someone with Makhachev’s level of pressure and control.
If Topuria is taken down early, it could be a long and punishing night for him.
3. Fight IQ & Experience: Clear Advantage – Makhachev
One area where Makhachev has a massive edge is his experience in high-level fights.
He has already fought and beaten elite UFC champions, while Topuria has yet to fight for a title.
Makhachev’s ability to stick to a game plan and adapt mid-fight is what makes him so dangerous.
Topuria’s aggressive style could backfire, as Makhachev thrives on capitalizing on mistakes.
So, where does that leave us?
Final Verdict: Is Ilia Topuria All Talk, or Could He Actually Win?
Ilia Topuria’s claim that he would “crush” Islam Makhachev is bold—but is it realistic?
Reasons Why Topuria Could Win
Superior striking could expose Makhachev’s weakness on the feet.
Explosive knockout power could lead to a shocking upset.
A fast start could overwhelm Makhachev before he establishes control.
Reasons Why Makhachev Would Likely Dominate
Dagestani wrestling would neutralize Topuria’s striking.
More experience in championship fights.
Superior fight IQ and ability to adapt.
At the end of the day, Topuria’s confidence is commendable, but unless he proves himself against elite lightweights first, it’s hard to imagine him overcoming a fighter as dominant as Islam Makhachev.
But in MMA, anything is possible.
Would you bet on Ilia Topuria pulling off the impossible, or is Islam Makhachev simply untouchable? The debate rages on!
