Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a sport filled with surprises, rising contenders, and legendary champions. One of the most intriguing discussions in recent times revolves around UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and whether there is a fighter capable of dethroning him. Among those voicing their opinions, former interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier has pointed to Ilia Topuria as a potential threat to Makhachev’s reign. With Topuria’s recent performances and dominant fighting style, many are beginning to take this claim seriously. But is Topuria truly the biggest challenge for Makhachev? Let’s dive deeper into this debate.
Islam Makhachev, a Dagestani fighter trained under the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, has been an unstoppable force in the UFC lightweight division. With an impressive record and a skill set that blends elite wrestling, suffocating grappling, and striking improvements, Makhachev has cemented himself as one of the best in the sport. His ability to control opponents on the ground and dictate the pace of a fight makes him a nightmare matchup for most fighters.
Since winning the lightweight belt, Makhachev has defended his title against formidable challengers, proving that he is not just a product of Khabib’s coaching but a dominant champion in his own right. His victories over top contenders like Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski showcased his technical brilliance and adaptability. However, the question remains: who can truly test him inside the octagon?
Ilia Topuria has been making waves in the UFC, particularly in the featherweight division. Known for his knockout power, high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and aggressive fighting style, Topuria has been undefeated in his professional career. His recent victory over Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title only solidified his status as one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC.
Despite competing at 145 pounds, Topuria has expressed interest in moving up to lightweight, where he believes he can compete with the best. His confidence is not misplaced—his ability to finish fights in spectacular fashion and his well-rounded skill set make him a legitimate threat to anyone in the division, including Islam Makhachev.
Dustin Poirier, a seasoned veteran and former interim lightweight champion, has been in the octagon with some of the toughest fighters in the world. His insights carry weight, and when he suggests that Ilia Topuria could be Makhachev’s biggest threat, fans and analysts take notice.
Poirier’s reasoning is based on Topuria’s explosiveness, knockout power, and ability to avoid prolonged ground exchanges. Unlike many of Makhachev’s past opponents, Topuria has demonstrated elite takedown defense and the ability to get back to his feet quickly. This could neutralize Makhachev’s strongest weapon—his grappling. Additionally, Topuria’s striking is far superior to that of many lightweights, which could pose a serious challenge to Makhachev if the fight remains on the feet.
To understand why Topuria might be Makhachev’s toughest test, we must analyze their respective fighting styles:
### **1. Striking Advantage**
Ilia Topuria possesses knockout power that few fighters in the lightweight division can match. His precise boxing, aggressive combinations, and ability to counter effectively make him a dangerous striker. Makhachev, while improving his striking game, has not faced many opponents with Topuria’s level of striking prowess. If the fight stays on the feet, Topuria’s speed and accuracy could give him a significant edge.
### **2. Takedown Defense and Ground Game**
One of Makhachev’s biggest strengths is his ability to take opponents down and control them. However, Topuria is no slouch when it comes to grappling. As a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he has the skills to defend against submissions and scramble back to his feet. His strong base and explosive movement could prevent Makhachev from keeping him grounded for long periods.
### **3. Cardio and Fight IQ**
Makhachev is known for his methodical approach to fights, wearing opponents down over multiple rounds. However, Topuria has shown that he can maintain his power and explosiveness throughout a fight. His ability to dictate the pace and force Makhachev into uncomfortable striking exchanges could be a key factor in determining the outcome.
While Topuria has many strengths, defeating Makhachev is no easy task. There are several challenges he would need to overcome:
– **Size and Strength:** Makhachev has been competing at lightweight for years and has a natural size advantage over Topuria, who would be moving up from featherweight. Adjusting to the power and strength of bigger opponents is always a concern.
– **Wrestling Superiority:** Makhachev’s wrestling is on another level. Even though Topuria has strong grappling, stopping Makhachev’s relentless takedown attempts is a different challenge altogether.
– **Championship Experience:** Makhachev has already proven himself in five-round title fights against elite competition, while Topuria is still relatively new to the highest level of competition. Experience in high-pressure situations could play a significant role.
A matchup between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria would be one of the most exciting fights in recent UFC history. It would be a true clash of styles—Dagestani wrestling versus explosive striking and submission skills. The buildup to such a fight would generate massive interest from fans worldwide, as both fighters have passionate followings.
For the UFC, this fight could bring a new level of excitement to the lightweight division. If Topuria were to move up and defeat Makhachev, it would cement his status as one of the most dangerous pound-for-pound fighters in the world. On the other hand, if Makhachev were to dominate Topuria, it would further solidify his legacy as one of the most dominant champions in lightweight history.
Dustin Poirier’s claim that Ilia Topuria might be Islam Makhachev’s biggest threat is not without merit. Topuria’s striking, grappling skills, and fearless approach to fights make him a compelling challenger. However, until the two fighters meet inside the octagon, the debate will continue.
Makhachev’s dominance in the lightweight division cannot be overlooked, and any fighter who hopes to dethrone him must bring a near-perfect game plan. Whether Topuria can be that fighter remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—if this fight happens, it will be one of the most highly anticipated bouts in MMA history.