UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has been pursuing the lightweight title holder Islam Makhachev for a while now, dreaming of becoming a two-division champion. However, Makhachev’s coach Javier Mendez does not see any merit in the Russian fighting El Matador.
Topuria’s case is building though. He has already taken out two of the biggest names in the lightweight division — Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski. But there are still some top contenders to be taken care of before he can line himself up against Makhachev. So there is still time.
However, the rumor mill has a life of its own. A potential fight between Topuria and Makhachev is already being spoken about in not so hushed tones. In an interview with Karim Moustaine, Mendez cleared the air by stating the plan Team Khabib has set for the champ.
“He’s had only one true lightweight title defense and it was against Dustin…So it’s better to fight a legit lightweight like Arman Tsarukyan….it doesn’t benefit us it benefits Topuria,” said the head coach of AKA.
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As per Mendez, Islam would be fighting Tsarukyan next. There are other contenders in the division like Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaeythje waiting too. And with Holloway making the division his permanent home, the competition has only gotten stronger for Makhachev.
So, fighting Ilia, a featherweight champion, is not on the list of priorities for the Russian. But this hasn’t stopped Topuria from painting a picture of how the fight would pan out.
Topuria wants to submit Makhachev
Following his UFC 308 performance against Holloway, Topuria revealed the ambitious plans he has for Makhachev.
“My mindset is always the same. I’m always looking to achieve that no one could. Someone could submit him. I will be the first one to submit him,” El Matador had said.
Topuria is not a big grappler, and is known for his exceptional striking skills. While his ground game is quite decent, it is nowhere near the levels needed to pull off a submission against someone like Makhachev.
Given that Islam is considerably bigger than Topuria and far more accomplished in the ground game, saying it would be tough is a gross understatement. If the fight does take place, Topuria will be walking in as the underdog despite holding UFC gold.
