Ever since Ilia Topuria vacated his featherweight title, he has had his sights set on one thing and one thing only. ‘La Leyenda’ has shown zero interest in a No. 1 contender’s fight. “I would like to fight with Islam, that is for sure, I would like to fight him. I wouldn’t fight for a No. 1 contender fight. If Islam decides he doesn’t want to fight me. I’ll sit until you’re gonna have to fight me,” Topuria told Joe Rogan in a recent appearance on his podcast. According to the Spanish-Georgian, the UFC promised a shot at lightweight gold if he gave up his 145-pound belt—and he took them up on it.
Naturally, this set off a debate across the MMA world: if Topuria were to face Islam Makhachev, the reigning king at 155lbs, who would come out on top? From the very beginning, Topuria has been on the receiving end of criticism. Many in the MMA community have claimed he has nothing to offer Makhachev, arguing that, based on size alone, the former 145lbs kingpin has no shot. Taking issue with that narrative was none other than the UFC’s ‘Bad Guy’ himself, Chael Sonnen. And while Sonnen didn’t go as far as predicting a Topuria victory, he was loud and clear in his stance: underestimating Ilia based on weight class alone is just lazy.
In an aggressive tone, Sonnen fired back at the MMA community: “145 and 155 is the same thing, and I’m only blown away. I don’t know how Ilia would do with Islam. I’m just blown away by the analysis that he would have no chance. That’s very strong language because he’s outsized, no, he’s not.”
Sonnen then illustrated his point with historical examples to back it up: “What do you base it on? Dillashaw versus Cejudo comes to mind, Cejudo lighter of the two, the winner is Cejudo. Georges St-Pierre versus Michael Bisping comes to mind, lighter of the two, George St-Pierre, winner George St-Pierre. Amanda Nunez versus whoever she fought at 145, not trying to be funny, I don’t have the foggiest idea. Smaller of the two, Amanda Nunez, the winner. Daniel Cormier versus Stipe Miocic, Daniel, 205-pounder, Stipe, heavyweight, winner Daniel. Like, what piece of history are you basing an advantage on, the larger guy? That’s that one question, and I would love an answer.”
MMA: UFC 298-Volkanovski vs Topuria Feb 17, 2024 Anaheim, California, USA Ilia Topuria fights against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298 at Honda Center. Anaheim Honda Center, California, USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xGaryxA.xVasquezx 20240217_gav_sv5_175
Sonnen’s final jab drove the point home: “Tell me a time that the lighter guy got out-manned? Every wrestler knows the hardest guy to take on is the top guy from one weight class below.”And honestly? Sonnen makes a strong case. The history of the sport doesn’t offer much evidence that a heavier fighter is automatically the favorite.
Yes, Islam Makhachev has built a fortress atop the lightweight division. His elite wrestling, top-tier control, and evolving striking have made him look unstoppable. But every example Sonnen listed reminds us that greatness is not bound by weight. He also made it clear that he believes Topuria has the tools to give Makhachev the toughest fight of his career—and he might just be right. After all, it was Alexander Volkanovski—another 145er—who gave Islam his most competitive, most debated performance to date.
Size did not factor in for Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev, so why Ilia Topuria?
Though many still question Ilia Topuria because of his size, it’s impossible to overlook what he’s done to two of the featherweight division’s most iconic figures. First, he knocked out our beloved Alexander Volkanovski — a fighter known not just for his dominance, but for his heart, grit, and championship mindset. And if that wasn’t enough, ‘La Leyenda’ then went on to do what no one thought was possible: he finished Max Holloway.
Holloway, who many believed had an iron chin and an unbreakable spirit, had just returned from a brief but promising stint at lightweight. Despite the massive height difference, Holloway (5’11”) still couldn’t weather the storm that is Topuria (5’7′). Similarly, Volk, after two wars in the 155-pound division, met the same fate — brutally finished in a way we never expected from the man who once pushed Islam Makhachev to the brink.
Let’s not forget the night Volkanovski’s respect skyrocketed across the MMA world after his valiant battle with Makhachev at UFC 284. That first clash wasn’t just a fight — it was a statement. Volk, the smaller man from featherweight, nearly pulled off the impossible. Despite the official loss, a large portion of the MMA community believed he had done enough to win.
So the real question is: why is it so hard to believe that Ilia Topuria could do the same? Topuria has proven he belongs among the elite. Moreover, it’s not just about skill. Topuria brings with him a surging wave of star power, a loyal fanbase, and an undefeated aura that captivates the sport. Who do you think stands tall if these two forces finally collide? Drop your predictions in the comments — this is one fight the world needs to see.
The post “145 & 155 Is the Same Thing” – UFC Legend Defies Claims on Ilia Topuria Being ‘Too Small’ for Islam Makhachev appeared first on EssentiallySports.