Ilia Topuria claims he will shock the world and submit Islam Makhachev

Ilia Topuria has declared he would submit Islam Makhachev if the two ever share the octagon, firing off another bold callout aimed at a champion above his natural weight class.

Topuria, known as El Matador, holds a 17-1-0 record and sits at number one in the pound-for-pound rankings at just 29 years old. The Spanish fighter competes at lightweight and is ranked second in that division, bringing a high-volume striking game that sees him land 4.81 significant strikes per minute. He also adds a consistent grappling threat, averaging 1.96 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes. To fight Makhachev, he would need to move up to welterweight.

Makhachev is the reigning welterweight champion and sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings at 34 years old. The Russian fighter out of Eagles MMA carries a 28-1-0 record and is widely regarded as one of the elite grapplers in the sport, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes to go with 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes. His striking accuracy sits at an efficient 58 percent. The prediction drew a skeptical public response, questioning the realism of Topuria's claim.

Why it matters

• Topuria is currently the number-one pound-for-pound fighter and has made a habit of targeting champions in heavier divisions
• A submission finish of Makhachev would represent one of the most stunning upsets in recent UFC history given the champion's grappling pedigree
• No fight has been officially announced, and Topuria is expected to fulfill featherweight title defense obligations first
• The callout raises questions about Topuria's divisional future and whether a jump to welterweight is a genuine ambition or positioning