Ilia Topuria has made a bold claim that he is ready to shock the world by submitting Islam Makhachev. The post questions whether Topuria has been listening to fantastical ideas, using a reference to a song called "Fantazyor" (Dreamer). The statement represents a significant callout from the featherweight champion to the lightweight champion. No timeframe or concrete plans for such a fight were mentioned. The post treats Topuria's claim with some skepticism, suggesting it may be unrealistic.
Ilia Topuria has publicly declared that he is capable of submitting Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion, sending a direct cross-division callout that has raised eyebrows across the MMA world.
Topuria, known as "El Matador," carries a 17-1-0 record and currently holds the number-one pound-for-pound ranking despite sitting second in the lightweight divisional standings. The 29-year-old Spaniard out of Climent Club is one of the sport's most active strikers, landing 4.81 significant strikes per minute, and has shown he can threaten on the ground as well, averaging 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes. At five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach, he would enter any matchup with Makhachev at a notable physical disadvantage.
Makhachev, the undefeated lightweight and welterweight champion from Russia, owns a 28-1-0 record and holds the top pound-for-pound position. The 34-year-old southpaw from Eagles MMA is widely regarded as one of the elite grapplers in the sport, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and posting a striking accuracy of 58 percent. His 70-inch reach and superior wrestling credentials would make any submission attempt from Topuria a steep task to execute.
No official negotiations, dates, or confirmed plans for the bout were mentioned alongside Topuria's claim. The callout was met with notable skepticism, with commentary suggesting Topuria may be dreaming if he believes a submission finish of Makhachev is within reach.
Why it matters
- A cross-divisional clash between the pound-for-pound number one and number two would carry enormous stakes for the sport's elite rankings.
- Topuria moving up to challenge Makhachev would pit the UFC's most active striker against its most accomplished grappler.
- Topuria's stated path to victory — a submission — runs directly through Makhachev's greatest strength, making the stylistic matchup a fascinating and lopsided conversation on paper.
