What’s the biggest fight the MMA fans want to see next? It’s the highly anticipated showdown between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. The reigning featherweight champion recently vacated his title, setting his sights on becoming a dual-division champion. His immediate goal? A clash with 155-pound king Islam Makhachev. Yet, despite the buzz, the UFC is yet to announce a fight for either man. For Topuria, he has a steep challenge ahead of him.
Firstly, the champion isn’t quite interested in fighting yet another featherweight champion in his career. For him, a win against Topuria would do no good to his career and his legacy. Secondly, there are fighters like Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan who have earned their right to fight for the title in the division. Adding to these, Topuria has also made it clear that he is only interested in fighting for the title before considering any other lightweight fights. So how does ‘El Matador’ get his title shot amidst all such conditions? Well, according to Demetrious Johnson he first needs to fight some big name in the division and win to catch the attention of the champion.
‘Mighty Mouse’ during an appearance on the ‘Jaxxon Podcast’ gave the 28-year-old some piece of advise. He said, “I would like to see him fight Charles Oliveira. Well, he already beat Max. Fight somebody at 155. Then if you become the number one contender, there’s no reason Islam shouldn’t take that fight. And I think Islam is on board with that.” The former UFC champion is indeed right. Team Dagestan have made it clear that Topuria needs to earn his title shot by going up against some big names. Only if he can prove his calibre against someone like a Charles Oliveira or Arman Tsarukyan, we can see him get a title shot in his new division.
Amidst all the claims, Topuria, in his recent X post, pointed out that their fight talks may be in the loop. He tweeted, “When we announce it, you won’t believe it. Get ready,” At the moment, it seems the former featherweight champion is trying to get under the skin of the champion. Ever since he has made the move, Topuria seems absolutely unfazed by the brilliance of Islam Makhachev. Such is his confidence that he believes he can knock out the Dagestani fighter.
Ilia Topuria feels he will make easy work of Makhachev if they fight each other
With four title defenses to his name, Islam Makhachev is steadily building his legacy as one of the most accomplished lightweights in UFC history. As he continues his rise, he’s not only chasing greatness but also surpassing the achievements of his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, all these records make no difference to Ilia Topuria. The 28-year-old fighter is known for having immense self belief in his skill set and is never short of confidence. More so, backed all the talks with his performances inside the Octagon. His next target is Islam Makhachev and he is ready for the challenge.
In a recent interview with ‘HardStyle TV,’ Ilia Topuria issued a warning to the lightweight champion. He boldly claimed that he has the power as well as the grappling skills to either submit or knock out Islam Makhachev. Topuria said, “Islam is tough, but at the same time, I don’t know what could make me doubt myself—that I won’t knock him out or submit him.” It seems the mind games have already begun and ‘El Matador’ is leaving no stones unturned in the build up to the fight. However, there’s a reason as to why Makhachev is considered as the number one in the sport and Topuria shouldn’t forget that.
Do you think Ilia Topuria will be able to repeat the same performance against Islam Makhachev? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The post “I Think Islam Is Onboard With That” – MMA Legend Gives Ilia Topuria a Challenge Before Fighting Islam Makhachev appeared first on EssentiallySports.