If you’ve spent any time in the MMA world, you already know, Islam Makhachev isn’t just a master of wrestling. He’s also a king of dry, stone-cold delivery. And when you pair him with Daniel Cormier? Comedy gold. Their banter is legendary, but one moment in particular still lives rent-free in fans’ heads. It was when Islam, in his classic, no-nonsense style, told Cormier the ultimate parenting hack. “If you want your son, high-level wrestling, send him two-three years Dagestan and forget.”
Cormier, of course, wanted no part of it. But guess who actually took the advice seriously? Meet Gonzalo Martin, a young Spaniard who packed his bags and did exactly that. And now, in a bizarre twist, he’s been spotted training with none other than Ilia Topuria.
The Dagestani recently shared a video of his unexpected pupil. “First guy who come to Dagestan… 2-3 years send him to Dagestan,” he said, clearly entertained by the situation. Gonzalo, visibly exhausted, could only mutter, “I’m good, but so tired.” The video sent the MMA world into a frenzy, but then came the real shocker. Gonzalo wasn’t just absorbing Dagestani wrestling, he has also sharpened his skills with ‘El Matador’ in the past. Talk about an international fight camp exchange program!
For a while now, the Dagestani kingpin has dismissed the idea of a fight with Ilia, insisting that Topuria needs to prove himself at lightweight first. However, his coach, Javier Mendez, left the door open for speculations, ever so slightly, politely stating, “If that’s who they [UFC] offer, if that’s what is being worked out and is on the table for Islam, then that’s what Islam is going to do.” In simpler terms? If the UFC boss, Dana White wants it, it’s happening. Naturally, with this ‘pupil’ revelation and a potential fight brewing, fans are diving headfirst into conspiracy theories.
Fans add a new twist to Ilia Topuria’s chase for gold
With the Makhachev vs. Topuria showdown now entering the realm of possibility, fans are having a field day with their speculations. One popular take? “We thought it was just a joke (sending a spy), but it seems that it was all true.” Another summed it up with just two words, “Double agent.” Because what are the odds? A fighter who was learning the trade from Topuria suddenly makes his way into the Dagestani camp as Islam Makhachev continues to swat away questions about fighting the Spaniard? Suspicious, to say the least.
Some are already trying to break it down technically, “Training from the best of the best, that’s called being smart.” Others, however, think it won’t make a difference, “Dagestan smash you and send you back to Topuria.”
Then there’s the group that doesn’t care about training camps or conspiracies. They just want to see these two warriors throw down. “Bro, who cares? No matter what, this fight is inevitable, and they both are probably the toughest fight of either of their careers. Islam does everything extremely well. So does Ilia, but he also has a boxing-heavy style and thunderous power. I can’t wait to see, in my opinion, the two best fighters in the UFC right now go at it!!! Gonna be an absolute barn burner.”
And of course, the ‘I told you so’ crowd isn’t missing this opportunity. One fan put it bluntly, “Casuals will believe Ilia could beat Islam! I love both, but Islam is better all around.” But not everyone is convinced. Some think Topuria’s wrestling, especially now, might be a bigger factor than people realize. “That explains the Georgian wrestling,” one fan noted, hinting that Gonzalo’s Dagestani training could be Topuria’s ace in the hole.
Is this a real-life MMA spy thriller or just a wild twist of fate? Either way, if this fight happens, the UFC would be crazy not to lean into the “double agent” narrative, because this storyline is pure gold. What’s your take? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
The post “Double Agent”— Fans Believe Ilia Topuria “Sent a Spy” to Dagestan as Islam Makhachev’s Pupil Story Takes a Turn appeared first on EssentiallySports.
