Ilia Topuria may need to re-evaluate his plans to secure the elusive ‘champ-champ’ honor in the UFC. Because apparently that’s what the fans seem to think about ‘El Matador’s recent claims about making a run at the 155 lbs division title! Topuria secured the featherweight crown at UFC 298 with a vicious knockout of Alexander Volkanovski in the second round of their fight.
The new king of the 145 lbs division is now set to face off against Max Holloway at UFC 308 on October 26 for his first title defense. However, according to a recent statement made by Topuria to MMA Junkie, he believes that, “I know I am way better than anyone in my division and the next one.”
His statement was shared on Reddit by a fan and it has since caused a whirlwind of reactions from the community. What do the fans think? Well, they are firmly on the side of Islam Makhachev, the Dagestani champion who has looked virtually unstoppable ever since he won the vacant belt by submitting Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in 2022.
Makhachev is currently on a 14-fight win streak that began in 2016 and has shown no signs of slowing down. As such, according to the fans, Topuria will be in a world of trouble if he decides to step into the Octagon against Makhachev after UFC 308. Here’s a look at what the netizens had to say.
Fans rally behind Islam Makhachev as Ilia Topuria’s lightweight title aspirations get shut down
For one fan the outcome is already written in stone as they proclaimed Islam Makhachev’s grappling skills to be too much for Topuria to handle. The Dagestani champion has a staggering 47% submission rate in the UFC according to Tapology. Having submitted names like Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, Dan Hooker and Drew Dober, it’s a rough night for any opponent who finds himself getting wrapped up by Makhachev inside the cage.
“Islam strangles him”
Others pointed out that Makhachev’s perception amongst the “casual” fanbase has taken a hit due to his two title defenses against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 and UFC 294, respectively. As such, Topuria’s ‘fast track’ to the title is a hard sell for the fandom.
“Nah, Islam taken enough sh*t from casuals about fighting guys who are FW. If the matador wants it, move up to 155 and work your way to the title.”
Some also brought up the fact that Makhachev has his own sights set on the ‘champ-champ’ status. However, at a recent press conference, the Dagestani champion revealed that Belal Muhammad’s win over Leon Edwards has seemingly put a hold on his plans. Makhachev stated, “…but now Belal is the champion. This guy broke my plans to be double champion. But I am really happy for him and happy for his country. He deserves it.” Do you think Makhachev will have to wait for a change in titles at 170 lbs. to finally move up?
“I don’t see this fight happening because Islam is already on the verge of moving up a weight class and Topuria has a year or two of fights to earn the right for a LW shot. Timing doesn’t make sense”
Fans also scrutinized Ilia Topuria’s record with a keen eye. While ‘El Matador’ is unbeaten in the UFC so far, the fact that he has only faced one elite-level competitor in Alexander Volkanovski has raised more questions about his aim to move up to 155 lbs.
“He is good but IDK why everyone thinks he is the next coming ….. lets be real he beat volk shortly after a loss to Islam and he went to a decision with Emmet, Those are the 2 best guys he has fought then Bryce but he isnt on the other guys level imo.”
The size difference between the two is also very clear to the fans. Makhachev stands at 5’10 tall with a 70.5-inch reach while Topuria comes in at 5’7 with a 69-inch reach. However, Makhachev cuts down to 155 lbs and as the fans pointed out, he looks comparable in size to welterweights like Belal Muhammad. As such, Topuria might just be physically outmatched in this matchup.
“I didn’t realize how massive Islam is until I saw him standing next to Belal. Might be pretty rough for Ilia”
However, one fan brought up an interesting point that if Topuria is able to maintain his hold over the 145 lbs. division, it would be a more interesting matchup a few years down the line.
“For now no but maybe in a year or 2 when Topuria has gotten closer to his prime”
To wrap things up, fans have made it clear that Ilia Topuria’s path to the lightweight title is far from guaranteed. Islam Makhachev’s impeccable record and physical advantages, combined with Topuria’s relatively limited experience against top-tier opponents, have fueled doubts. While some believe that Topuria could evolve into a formidable challenger with time, the consensus is that, for now, he’s biting off more than he can chew. Do you agree with the fans about Ilia Topuria’s chances at lightweight?