Ilia Topuria has made a bold and confident prediction regarding his potential fight with Islam Makhachev. The Georgian fighter, who recently vacated his featherweight title to move up to lightweight, has expressed his belief that he can take down the current champion and submit him. Despite many expecting Topuria to get an immediate title shot against Makhachev, the fight has yet to materialize. Nevertheless, Topuria is not backing down and has laid out his plan for how he intends to defeat the champion when the time comes.
Topuria’s confidence stems from his belief that he holds the advantage in every aspect of the game. On the PBD Podcast, the fighter shared his thoughts, stating that he feels well-equipped to handle Makhachev in all areas of the fight. In his view, it’s not just about fighting; it’s about dominating and having control over his opponent. Topuria believes he will be able to take Makhachev down and submit him, and he’s even gone so far as to predict that he will submit Makhachev using the Russian’s favorite submission move—the D’Arce choke—right in front of Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Topuria’s plan to submit Makhachev in such a dramatic fashion reveals a deeper level of confidence and strategic thinking. The fighter envisions a scenario where he submits Makhachev while in the presence of Khabib, the former UFC lightweight champion and Makhachev’s mentor. He described how, in his mind, he would take Makhachev close to Khabib and then execute the submission move, all while engaging Khabib in conversation. “I take him close to Khabib. I will submit him closer to Khabib,” Topuria said. His words suggest that he not only aims to defeat Makhachev but to do so in a way that showcases his dominance and makes a statement in front of Khabib, one of the most respected figures in mixed martial arts (MMA).
This bold prediction adds an interesting twist to the ongoing narrative of the lightweight division, where Makhachev has long been viewed as one of the most dominant forces. Makhachev is widely known for his exceptional ground game, often controlling opponents with his grappling and wrestling skills. For Topuria, a fighter who has showcased his grappling abilities throughout his career, to openly challenge Makhachev’s strength in this area is a testament to his self-belief and fighting style.
Topuria’s wrestling and submission skills are certainly no secret. His grappling game has been one of the key components of his success in the UFC so far. Despite Makhachev’s dominant reputation in the ground game, Topuria has made it clear that he has the confidence and ability to go toe-to-toe with him on the mat. Topuria believes that he is not only capable of keeping up with Makhachev but of submitting him with the same technique that the champion is most comfortable with. This confidence will likely play a significant role in any potential matchup between the two.
If the fight between Topuria and Makhachev does come to fruition, it will certainly be an intriguing battle. While Makhachev has proven himself as one of the best lightweights in the world, Topuria’s bold prediction and belief in his own skills bring a new layer of excitement to the fight. MMA fans will be eagerly anticipating whether Topuria’s confidence will translate into success inside the Octagon or if Makhachev’s ground dominance will prove too much for him.
The potential for such a fight also raises questions about how Makhachev will respond to an opponent who is unafraid to challenge his strengths. The Russian fighter has been dominant for a reason, with his well-rounded game, strong wrestling, and ability to control his opponents on the ground. Yet Topuria’s assertion that he will submit Makhachev using his own preferred submission could shake up the lightweight division in a way that few people expect.
While Topuria’s prediction is certainly a bold one, it’s important to remember that predictions in MMA can often be unpredictable. Fighters like Topuria are known for their ability to back up their words with action, and his confidence in his grappling abilities should not be taken lightly. If the fight between him and Makhachev does happen, it will undoubtedly be a clash of two of the most promising fighters in the lightweight division, and the stakes will be incredibly high.
In conclusion, Ilia Topuria’s prediction to submit Islam Makhachev with the D’Arce choke in front of Khabib Nurmagomedov speaks volumes about his self-confidence and his belief in his grappling abilities. Whether or not this prediction will come true remains to be seen, but it adds an exciting storyline to the lightweight division. If Topuria can indeed pull off such a victory, it would be a remarkable achievement and would establish him as a serious contender in the lightweight division, capable of taking on and defeating some of the best in the world.
