Ilia Topuria has made a bold prediction that he will shock the world by submitting Islam Makhachev. The statement represents Topuria's confidence heading into potential future matchups at the highest level. The post included a reference questioning whether Topuria had been listening to a song called "Fantazer" (Dreamer), suggesting skepticism about the bold claim. Details about when or under what circumstances such a fight might occur were not provided.
Ilia Topuria has publicly declared that he will submit Islam Makhachev, a claim that drew immediate skepticism from at least one observer who questioned whether the Georgian-Spanish star had been listening to a song called "Fantazer" — Russian for "Dreamer." No timeline or formal framework for a potential fight between the two has been announced.
Topuria, 29, carries a 17-1-0 record and currently holds the number-two ranking in the lightweight division while sitting first in the pound-for-pound standings. Known as "El Matador" and fighting out of Spain for Climent Club, the five-foot-seven orthodox fighter lands an impressive 4.81 significant strikes per minute and averages 1.96 takedowns per 15 minutes, demonstrating the well-rounded game that has carried him to the top of the sport. His submission threat is real on paper, averaging 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes across his career.
Standing across from him in any hypothetical matchup would be Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion who owns a 28-1-0 record. The 34-year-old Russian southpaw from Eagles MMA is widely regarded as one of the most complete fighters on the planet, sitting atop the pound-for-pound rankings at number zero. Makhachev averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and posts a striking accuracy of 58 percent, making him a constant threat in every phase of the fight.
Why it matters
- Topuria is the top pound-for-pound fighter in the AgentMMA database, giving any callout he makes immediate weight
- Makhachev is a champion with elite grappling credentials, making the submission prediction a deliberately provocative one
- A potential cross-divisional clash between the two would carry significant implications for both the lightweight and welterweight landscapes
- The skeptical "Fantazer" response signals that not everyone in the MMA world is treating Topuria's confidence as grounded in reality
