Ilia Topuria has made a bold claim about a potential fight with Islam Makhachev. The featherweight champion stated he is ready to shock the world by submitting the lightweight champion. Topuria expressed confidence in his ability to finish Makhachev via submission if they were to fight. The comment represents ambitious callout language from Topuria, though no official bout between the two champions has been discussed. The post includes a reference to a song called "Fantazer" (Dreamer) in response to Topuria's statement.
Ilia Topuria is setting his sights beyond featherweight, publicly declaring that he would submit Islam Makhachev if the two champions were ever to meet inside the octagon.
Topuria, who competes at lightweight and holds a 17-1-0 record, is currently ranked number one in the pound-for-pound standings and is just 29 years old. Fighting out of Spain under the Climent Club banner, "El Matador" has been one of the most active finishers in the sport, landing an impressive 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy. He also averages 1.96 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, underscoring the well-rounded threat he believes he can bring to any matchup.
Makhachev, the welterweight champion and the fighter ranked directly above Topuria in the pound-for-pound picture at number zero, carries a 28-1-0 record and is widely regarded as one of the most complete grapplers in the sport. The 34-year-old Russian, who trains with Eagles MMA, lands 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and averages 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes of his own, while also posting a striking accuracy of 58 percent. Those grappling credentials make Topuria's specific claim — that he would finish Makhachev by submission — all the more striking.
The callout drew a pointed response referencing a song titled "Fantazer," meaning "Dreamer," a clear piece of skepticism directed at Topuria's confidence. No official negotiations or booking between the two champions has been reported.
Why it matters
- Topuria, the current pound-for-pound number one, is angling for a cross-division super-fight against the reigning welterweight champion.
- A win would require Topuria to move up two weight classes from his featherweight base, adding an additional layer of physical challenge.
- Makhachev's elite grappling credentials make Topuria's submission claim the most provocative element of the callout, setting up a clear stylistic talking point.
