Ilia Topuria has stated he is ready to shock the world by submitting Islam Makhachev. The post presents this as a bold claim from the featherweight champion, suggesting a potential super fight between the two champions. Topuria's confidence is highlighted, though the channel's commentary suggests skepticism about the feasibility of such an outcome. No timeline or official announcement for a potential matchup is provided. This appears to be a callout or expression of interest rather than a confirmed bout.
Ilia Topuria has declared he will stun the combat sports world by submitting Islam Makhachev, issuing a bold callout aimed at the lightweight champion and setting up what would be one of the most anticipated super fights in recent UFC history.
Topuria, nicknamed El Matador, currently holds a 17-1-0 record and sits ranked second in the lightweight division, where he competes after previously building his reputation at featherweight. The 29-year-old Spaniard is the number-one ranked fighter in the pound-for-pound standings and trains out of Climent Club. He is an active offensive fighter, landing 4.81 significant strikes per minute, and also averages 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, which lends some grounding to his claim of finishing Makhachev on the mat.
Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion out of Russia, carries a record of 28-1-0 and ranks first in the pound-for-pound listings just behind Topuria. The 34-year-old southpaw, who stands five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach and trains with Eagles MMA, is widely regarded as one of the most complete fighters in the sport. He averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate, making him a formidable threat in every phase of a fight.
No official bout agreement or timeline has been announced, and this remains a callout rather than a confirmed matchup.
Why it matters
- Topuria is the pound-for-pound number one, Makhachev holds champion status in his division, making a potential meeting a rare clash at the very top of the sport
- A two-division size difference adds intrigue, with Topuria standing five-foot-seven against a larger, longer opponent
- Makhachev's elite grappling makes Topuria's submission prediction particularly striking given the Dagestani champion's own 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes
