Ilia Topuria has made a bold claim that he is ready to shock the world by choking out Islam Makhachev. The featherweight champion's statement suggests confidence in his grappling abilities against the lightweight champion, who is widely regarded as one of the best grapplers in MMA. The post includes a skeptical reaction comparing Topuria's claim to fantasy. While Topuria has shown well-rounded skills in his UFC run, the prospect of him submitting the Dagestani grappling specialist would indeed be considered a major upset by most observers.
Ilia Topuria has thrown down a verbal challenge to Islam Makhachev, claiming he would stun the MMA world by submitting the lightweight champion if the two were ever to meet inside the octagon.
Topuria, known as "El Matador," enters the conversation as the number-one ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the world. The 29-year-old Spanish standout holds a 17-1-0 record and currently competes at lightweight, where he sits ranked second in the division. Despite being listed at five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach, Topuria has built a reputation for well-rounded skills, averaging 4.81 significant strikes per minute and attempting submissions at a rate of 1.1 per 15 minutes throughout his UFC career.
The target of his callout, Islam Makhachev, is widely considered among the most complete grapplers in the sport. The 34-year-old Russian, who trains with Eagles MMA, carries a 28-1-0 record and holds the welterweight championship while sitting atop the pound-for-pound rankings. Standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach, the southpaw is a relentless grappling threat, averaging 3.2 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes. His striking accuracy of 58 percent also underscores the danger he presents on the feet.
Topuria's assertion that he could choke out Makhachev drew skeptical reactions, which is unsurprising given the Dagestani's pedigree on the ground. Still, Topuria's own submission rate shows he is no stranger to finishing fights in that manner.
Why it matters
- A crossover bout between the featherweight and lightweight champions would carry enormous divisional stakes for both weight classes.
- Topuria's pound-for-pound ranking makes him a credible voice, even if the grappling matchup appears heavily tilted toward Makhachev on paper.
- The style contrast — Topuria's high-volume striking against Makhachev's elite wrestling and submission game — sets up a compelling hypothetical clash of skill sets.
