Ilia Topuria has made a bold statement that he is prepared to shock the world by submitting Islam Makhachev. The featherweight champion expressed his confidence in being able to finish the lightweight champion by submission. The post includes a reference to a song titled 'Dreamer,' suggesting skepticism about Topuria's claim. Details about any potential matchup between the two champions remain limited. This represents another instance of Topuria calling out fighters from other divisions.
Ilia Topuria is targeting yet another champion from a division above his own, declaring publicly that he is ready to submit Islam Makhachev and shock the world in the process.
Topuria, known as "El Matador," holds a 17-1-0 record and currently sits at number one in the pound-for-pound rankings at just 29 years old. The Spaniard competes at lightweight and ranks second in that division, making any move to face Makhachev a cross-divisional challenge. He is an active offensive fighter, landing 4.81 significant strikes per minute, and averages 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes — the latter stat forming the basis of his bold callout.
Makhachev, 34, is the reigning welterweight champion out of Russia and sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings at number zero, making him the consensus best fighter on the planet. He carries a 28-1-0 record and fights out of Eagles MMA. His grappling pedigree is well established, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and a striking accuracy of 58 percent. He also averages 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes himself, meaning any ground exchange between these two would carry serious risk for both men.
Topuria's callout referenced a song titled "Dreamer," a detail that signals some skepticism surrounding the prospect of him submitting one of the sport's most accomplished grapplers. No formal matchup between the two has been announced or confirmed.
Why it matters
- Topuria has now called out fighters from multiple divisions, signaling his ambitions extend well beyond lightweight
- A fight would pit the number-one pound-for-pound fighter against the number-zero, making it among the most significant potential crossover bouts in the sport
- The stylistic clash is striking versus elite grappling, with Topuria's submission confidence adding an unusual dimension to the rivalry
