Ilia Topuria has stated that he is prepared to shock the world by submitting Islam Makhachev. The featherweight champion expressed confidence in his ability to finish the lightweight champion by submission. The post includes a skeptical reaction questioning whether Topuria has been listening to unrealistic fantasies. No fight between the two champions has been officially announced or scheduled. Topuria's comments represent a bold callout of the pound-for-pound ranked fighter. The post references a song called "Fantazer" (Dreamer) in response to the claim.
Ilia Topuria has set his sights on an unscheduled super-fight, declaring publicly that he is capable of submitting Islam Makhachev and shocking the combat sports world in the process.
Topuria, nicknamed "El Matador," currently holds a 17-1-0 record and sits at number one in the pound-for-pound rankings at just 29 years old. The Spanish fighter competes at lightweight and is ranked second in the division, making him a natural challenger for the title. He brings elite finishing instincts to his game, averaging 4.81 significant strikes per minute with 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, and his record reflects a career built on stoppages rather than decisions.
Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion out of Russia and a product of Eagles MMA, represents one of the most complete fighters on the planet. The 34-year-old holds a 28-1-0 record and sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings. Standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach, the southpaw averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and converts strikes at a remarkable 58 percent accuracy rate, making him a dominant force wherever the fight goes.
The response to Topuria's claim was notably skeptical, with a reference to the Russian word "Fantazer," meaning Dreamer, suggesting many see the submission finish scenario as wishful thinking given Makhachev's defensive wrestling and grappling pedigree.
Why it matters
- Topuria is the number one pound-for-pound fighter calling out the number one pound-for-pound champion, raising the stakes of any potential matchup considerably.
- A move from lightweight to welterweight would represent a significant jump for Topuria, who stands five-foot-seven and carries a 69-inch reach against a larger Makhachev.
- The submission callout is a direct challenge to Makhachev on the ground, the area widely considered his greatest strength.
- No fight has been officially announced, so the matchup remains in the realm of public campaigning rather than confirmed UFC business.
