Islam Makhachev has offered his prediction for the upcoming bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. Makhachev also addressed the possibility of facing Topuria himself.
Islam Makhachev has shared his take on the upcoming lightweight clash between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, while also commenting on the prospect of a potential future meeting with Topuria himself.
Makhachev currently holds the welterweight championship and carries a 28-1-0 record, ranking at the top of the pound-for-pound standings at 34 years old. The Russian southpaw out of Eagles MMA is one of the sport's most well-rounded threats, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate.
Topuria, the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world, enters the Gaethje bout ranked second in the lightweight division with a 17-1-0 record. The 29-year-old Spaniard known as El Matador is a relentless offensive force, producing 4.81 significant strikes per minute for Climent Club.
Gaethje, meanwhile, holds the lightweight title and brings a 28-5-0 record into the contest. "The Highlight" is among the most prolific strikers in the division, landing 6.48 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy. The 37-year-old American from Genesis Training Center is known almost exclusively for his striking, averaging just 0.33 takedowns per 15 minutes and recording no submission attempts.
Why it matters
- A Gaethje victory would reshape the lightweight title picture heading into any future Makhachev crossover conversation
- Topuria winning would further cement his case as the most dangerous fighter in the sport and strengthen the intrigue of a Makhachev matchup
- The stylistic contrast is stark: Gaethje's relentless volume against Topuria's finishing efficiency and dual-threat grappling game
- Makhachev's comments signal he is watching the lightweight division closely as he settles into his new welterweight role
