Ilia Topuria has declared he is ready to shock the world by submitting Islam Makhachev. The featherweight champion's bold statement represents a significant callout of the lightweight champion. The post includes a skeptical response questioning whether Topuria has listened to a song called "Fantazer" (Dreamer), suggesting the claim may be unrealistic. Topuria's confidence in his grappling ability against one of the sport's elite grapplers has generated discussion. The post appears on multiple channels as the content creator notes for those experiencing loading issues.
Ilia Topuria has set his sights on a cross-divisional superfight, declaring publicly that he would shock the world by submitting Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion.
Topuria, known as "El Matador," holds a 17-1-0 record and sits at number two in the lightweight division while also ranking first in the pound-for-pound standings. The 29-year-old Spaniard out of Climent Club has built his reputation as an aggressive finisher, averaging 4.81 significant strikes per minute and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes. His confidence in his grappling has never been a secret, but targeting Makhachev specifically raises the stakes considerably.
Makhachev is widely regarded as one of the premier grapplers in MMA today. The 34-year-old Russian southpaw carries a 28-1-0 record and is the reigning welterweight champion, fighting out of Eagles MMA. He averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate — among the highest in the sport — while also posting 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes. His grappling credentials make Topuria's claim a bold one, and online reaction has reflected that skepticism, with some questioning whether Topuria is being realistic in targeting a fighter of Makhachev's caliber on the ground.
Why it matters
- Topuria is ranked first pound-for-pound, making a superfight with the lightweight champion a commercially viable proposition
- Makhachev's elite grappling record makes Topuria's specific prediction of a submission finish the most provocative aspect of the callout
- A size disadvantage exists, with Topuria standing five-foot-seven and carrying a 69-inch reach against Makhachev's five-foot-ten frame and 70-inch reach
- The callout intensifies divisional intrigue at both featherweight and lightweight as Topuria tests the waters at 155 pounds
