Ilia Topuria’s intentions are clear – he wants to move up to lightweight and claim the double championship. In a recent interview with Full Send Podcast, Topuria reiterated his desire to take on the current number one pounds-for-pound fighter in the UFC, Islam Makhachev. Despite Makhachev’s suggestion that Topuria needs to earn his chance with one more fight, ‘El Matador’ is confident that he can beat the current champion and claim the belt.
Dana White has expressed some reservations about champions moving up to a different weight class to pursue a double belt, but he acknowledges that there are some exceptions – like the potential super fight between Topuria and Makhachev. This fight would not only be a huge draw for the UFC but also provide a significant media impact. Topuria himself has stated, “I really think I can beat Islam. He is a great champion… I like to fight people that fans think it will be competitive. With Islam, that would happen.”
One of the reasons Topuria wants to move up to lightweight is to avoid the grueling weight cuts that come with fighting at a lower weight class. He has always been driven by a mentality of greatness, seeking out the best fights for his legacy and for the show. As he puts it, “I like to fight with people that fans think it will be competitive. With Islam, that would happen.” Topuria’s mindset is focused on delivering high-quality performances, and he believes that a fight against Makhachev would be exactly that.
In a recent photo, Ilia Topuria is seen after winning his last fight, a triumphant smile on his face. This image captures the confidence and determination that Topuria exudes as he prepares for his next challenge.
A KO that will arrive patiently
Topuria trusts his skills and believes that his domain will extend to the lightweight division, with his sights set directly on Khabib’s friend and training partner, Islam Makhachev. He is confident that he can knock out Makhachev with patience, saying, “I have many things against Islam with which he will have difficulties, and something he knows and we all know is that all I need is a blow… You know with certainty that I am going to connect that blow because I do not shoot like a madman.” Topuria’s strategy is to wait for the perfect moment to strike, using his technique to land the decisive blow.
As Topuria himself says, “Something he knows and we all know is that all I need is a blow.” This mentality is reflective of his focused approach to fighting, where he patiently waits for the right opportunity to strike.
Topuria has left the outcome of the potential fight in God’s hands, acknowledging that ultimately, it’s up to a higher power to decide the result. He says, “We all know that at some point I will connect that blow, and everything will depend on what God decides. If he wants to send Islam to sleep or not, who knows that? I know that.” With Topuria’s next fight just around the corner, the pressure is on, and the tension between him and Makhachev continues to build.
Submission, another trick
Despite being known for his knockout power, Topuria isn’t limiting his options for victory to just a KO. He’s also open to submitting Makhachev if necessary, saying, “I can also submit. I always say that I represent the new generation of mixed martial arts.” This “new generation” refers to a new breed of fighters with well-rounded skills in both standing and ground fighting. Topuria’s style is characterized by few weaknesses, making him a formidable opponent.
Topuria is confident in his abilities, stating, “In my case, I’m good everywhere. So you can take me everywhere and I’m going to feel comfortable… They used to say: ‘I will take you to the deep waters.’ I was born in deep water. Take me wherever you want.” So far, Topuria has delivered on his promises, and with his next opponent soon to be announced, the doubts surrounding his abilities will be put to rest.
