Ilia Topuria, the soon-to-be former featherweight champion, has been on a tear since capturing the belt with a knockout win over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. He followed it up with an even more spectacular performance at UFC 308, becoming the first man to knock out Max Holloway. Now, ‘El Matador’ has set his sights on an even bigger challenge—moving up to lightweight to chase a second title against none other than Islam Makhachev. But can he dethrone Team Khabib’s star pupil?
In the fight game, there’s only room for one at the top. To be the best, you have to beat the best. And when the “best” is a Dagestani powerhouse, that’s no easy feat. However, former 2-time bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz believes Topuria has a real shot at success. Dana White recently confirmed that Topuria is struggling with the featherweight cut, making his move to 155 pounds a logical next step. But jumping straight into a fight with Makhachev is a daunting task. That’s why Cruz, in a recent interview with Helen Yee, suggested an ideal warm-up fight to prepare him for the Dagestani’s style.
“Arman would be incredible,” Cruz said, referring to top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan. “I think that would probably be the best test to give him the replica feel of Makhachev. Not that he’s the same, but he’s the closest to the style. Very, very, very strong grappler. With very strong striking. Defensive fundamentals, and offense so. That would prepare him the most.”
Before stepping into the Octagon against his biggest challenge yet, Topuria might have the chance to test himself against another top contender. However, according to Topuria’s management, he is not interested in fighting anyone other than Makhachev.
“Ilia wants a championship fight,” Topuria’s management told Russian media agency TASS. “He will not fight for the status of a contender with Tsarukyan or anyone else.” Despite Topuria’s ambitions, Makhachev remains skeptical, stating that the featherweight champ needs to “prove himself” before earning a shot at the lightweight title. But not everyone shares that sentiment. Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman sees things differently and believes Topuria is already deserving of the opportunity.
Kamaru Usman weighs in on a potential Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria bout
Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman believes Islam Makhachev should face Ilia Topuria next—not necessarily because the Spanish-Georgian has earned the shot, but because it would be a smart career move for Makhachev.
“Ilia Topuria, I believe, is next. Put him up there because Islam needs a new face, and I honestly believe this is the biggest fight you can make for Islam. And I think Islam deserves that. Islam has worked, he’s put time in. I believe he needs that big fight to put him there, and I think this is the fight to put him there, okay, to where he’s a standalone champion,” Usman said to Henry Cejudo on the Pound 4 Pound podcast.
This potential matchup is already generating serious buzz, but the tension is building as both fighters take jabs at each other. Makhachev has expressed doubts about Topuria’s legitimacy as a lightweight contender. “I’m not going to give him a shot right away because he hasn’t done all the work he was supposed to in his weight class. There are still contenders he needs to beat, but he doesn’t want to cut weight anymore. Let him move up and earn his shot, and we’ll fight.” Makhachev told Match TV.
But Topuria isn’t buying it. He believes the lightweight champ is stalling out of fear. “He’s afraid. Of course, he is afraid. As usual, it is an easy fight until they put your name on the contract,” he told Marca TV. So what do you think? Should Topuria get a direct title shot against Makhachev, or should he prove himself against someone like Arman Tsarukyan first? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
The post Ex-UFC Champ Wants Dana White To Give Ilia Topuria ‘The Replica Feel’ of Fighting Islam Makhachev appeared first on EssentiallySports.
