Ilia Topuria stated that he is ready to shock the world and submit Islam Makhachev. The post includes a somewhat mocking tone, asking if Topuria has listened to a song called "Fantasizer," suggesting skepticism about the bold claim. No details about whether this fight is officially scheduled or under negotiation are provided. Topuria's statement represents his confidence in facing one of the UFC's most dominant champions and suggests he believes he can finish Makhachev by submission despite Makhachev's elite grappling background.
Ilia Topuria has declared he is prepared to stun the combat sports world by submitting Islam Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion and the number-one pound-for-pound fighter on the planet.
Topuria, known as "El Matador," enters the conversation as no ordinary challenger. The 29-year-old Spaniard holds a 17-1-0 record and currently sits second in the lightweight division while ranking first on the pound-for-pound list. He is one of the more active offensive fighters in the sport, averaging 4.81 significant strikes per minute, and carries a submission rate of 1.1 attempts per 15 minutes, underscoring that his ground game is not purely decorative.
Makhachev, 34, is the welterweight champion out of Russia's Eagles MMA and carries a 28-1-0 record. He is widely regarded as one of the most complete fighters in the UFC, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing strikes at a remarkable 58 percent accuracy clip. His own submission rate mirrors Topuria's at 1.1 attempts per 15 minutes, making any grappling exchange between the two a genuinely layered prospect. No official fight agreement or negotiation details have been disclosed.
Why it matters
- Topuria is the top pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC, meaning a callout of Makhachev is a collision between the sport's two elite names.
- A submission finish of Makhachev would be among the most significant upsets in recent UFC history given his elite Dagestan grappling credentials.
- The size dynamic is notable: Topuria fights at lightweight and stands five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach, while Makhachev competes at welterweight at five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach.
- No date, venue, or promotional confirmation has been attached to Topuria's statement.
