Ilia Topuria Challenges Islam Makhachev: Will the D’Arce Choke Make the UFC Champion Fall Before Khabib?

In a bold and unexpected move, Ilia Topuria, the undefeated UFC Featherweight Champion, has issued a challenge to Islam Makhachev, the reigning Lightweight king. While superfights are often fueled by trash talk and headlines, this one carries the weight of history, precision, and a question no one expected: Can a D’Arce choke from Topuria be the submission that finally breaks Makhachev’s dominance—before Khabib Nurmagomedov ever did?

This proposed champion-vs-champion clash has sent shockwaves through the MMA world. On one side is Islam Makhachev, a man often referred to as the spiritual successor to Khabib, dominating the 155-pound division with wrestling control, submission threats, and technical precision. On the other side stands Ilia Topuria, the new Spanish-Georgian phenom who took over the featherweight throne with a violent, clinical dismantling of Alexander Volkanovski.

Now, as Topuria eyes greatness beyond his division, fans are left to ask: Is this the fight that truly tests Makhachev’s armor? And can the D’Arce choke—Topuria’s signature submission—deliver the kind of finish that even Charles Oliveira failed to find?

Let’s break it all down: the motivations, the stylistic warfare, and why this may be the most unpredictable superfight in recent UFC memory.

The Rise of Ilia Topuria: From Dark Horse to Featherweight King

Ilia Topuria’s rise wasn’t handed to him—it was taken with precision, violence, and a mind-boggling level of confidence. With a record of 15-0 and a near-perfect finish rate, Topuria has torn through the featherweight division, blending elite-level jiu-jitsu with frightening boxing combinations.

His performance against Volkanovski at UFC 298 was nothing short of career-defining. He didn’t just defeat the champion—he outclassed him in nearly every department. It was a message to the MMA world: Topuria isn’t just here to defend his belt; he’s coming for legends.

“I’ve conquered my division,” Topuria said in a recent interview. “Now it’s time to make history. I want Islam next. I want the pound-for-pound crown.”

This callout wasn’t just about ego—it was strategic. Topuria sees something in Makhachev’s game that can be exploited. And he believes he has the tools to do it.

Why the D’Arce choke is Topuria’s secret weapon

Ilia Topuria isn’t just a knockout artist—he’s a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with an underrated ground game that many of his opponents don’t even get to see. And within that submission arsenal, his most lethal weapon is the D’Arce choke—a tight, suffocating submission he’s mastered over years of high-level training.

The D’Arce isn’t your average grappling technique. It’s a submission designed for chaos—for scrambles, for desperation shots, for moments when opponents are transitioning between positions. That’s exactly the kind of moment Makhachev often leaves himself open to when passing guard or hunting for top control.

“I’ve hit that D’Arce in fights and in camps. It’s not luck—it’s instinct,” said Topuria. “Islam is phenomenal, but he leaves space when he transitions. That’s where I lock it. Once it’s in, no one gets out.”

Topuria has been drilling that submission not just for featherweights—but with Makhachev’s name in mind. And if the fight goes to the ground, it could turn the tide in unexpected fashion.

Grappling vs grappling: Who truly dominates the ground?

This potential superfight is unlike most champion-vs-champion matchups because both men possess elite grappling pedigrees. Islam Makhachev, trained under Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov and the Dagestani school, is a monster on the mat. His top pressure, chain wrestling, and submission setups have overwhelmed nearly every opponent in the lightweight division.

But Topuria’s jiu-jitsu is built differently. It’s not just methodical—it’s aggressive, reactive, and made for reversals and traps. Against opponents like Ryan Hall and Bryce Mitchell, he showed his submission IQ and defensive sharpness.

The key question is: Can Makhachev impose his will on someone like Topuria? Or will Topuria use Makhachev’s pressure against him, turning takedowns into scrambles and submissions?

This is not striker vs grappler—this is submission specialist vs positional wrestler. And that changes everything.

Size matters—but heart might matter more

Critics will argue that Topuria moving up to 155 is a risky move. Makhachev is naturally bigger, stronger, and used to fighting heavier opponents. Topuria will give up height and possibly reach, and he won’t have the same size advantage he enjoys at featherweight.

But Topuria’s team has been preparing for this move for over a year. His nutrition has been adjusted. His frame has been filled out. And according to his coach Jorge Climent, “Ilia walks around at 170 pounds. He’s always been a natural lightweight. He’s not undersized. He’s just been waiting for the right moment.”

And that moment, it seems, has arrived.

More importantly, Topuria’s confidence is unshakable. He believes he can stand with Makhachev, trade with him, stuff takedowns, and find a submission when it counts. That kind of belief is rare—and dangerous.

Three bold keywords that define this superfight: Precision, Pressure, Submission

As the MMA world debates this superfight’s outcome, three bold keywords emerge: Precision, Pressure, Submission.

Precision will be Topuria’s biggest advantage on the feet. His boxing is crisp, compact, and devastating. Makhachev has power, but Topuria’s striking is more technical and more dynamic.

Pressure will be Makhachev’s most vital weapon. He needs to close the distance, eliminate Topuria’s movement, and grind out top control. That’s how he beat Oliveira, Volkanovski, and nearly everyone else.

Submission is the X-factor. If this fight hits the mat, Topuria’s D’Arce choke and counter-grappling will be the hidden blade that no one sees coming—until it’s too late.

Could this fight change the pound-for-pound landscape?

Absolutely. If Ilia Topuria were to defeat Islam Makhachev, especially via submission, it would not only shake up two divisions but the entire pound-for-pound hierarchy.

Makhachev is widely considered the #1 P4P fighter in the world. Defeating him would instantly elevate Topuria to that spot—something no featherweight has achieved since Jose Aldo’s prime. It would also make him the first Spanish champion to hold two belts simultaneously, igniting MMA growth in Europe and Latin America.

On the flip side, a win for Makhachev solidifies his place among the all-time greats. Beating a younger, undefeated champion from a lower weight class would mirror Khabib’s own dominance and keep the Dagestani legacy intact.

What about Khabib? Is Topuria trying to dethrone a dynasty?

There’s a silent narrative brewing behind this superfight—and it involves Khabib Nurmagomedov. Though retired, Khabib remains a symbol of dominance in MMA, especially in the lightweight division. Makhachev has long been seen as his heir.

But Topuria has hinted at challenging not just the fighter—but the legacy. “They say Islam is Khabib’s shadow. I want to beat him before Khabib even thinks of coming back. I want to break the story before it finishes.”

Some fans have speculated that a loss for Makhachev might prompt Khabib to return for one final fight. But if Topuria ends the streak, the mystique surrounding Dagestani invincibility could be shattered.

Final prediction: Will Topuria shock the world?

This is not an easy fight for either man. Makhachev has the advantage in experience at lightweight, size, and positional grappling. Topuria has sharper hands, submission threats, and unshakable momentum.

If Topuria can keep it standing in the first two rounds and avoid takedown control, he has a real shot at hurting Makhachev. And if the fight hits the mat and Makhachev gives him just an inch—the D’Arce choke could end everything.

Makhachev, on the other hand, will look to take the air out of the fight early. He’ll aim to put Topuria on his back, drain his energy, and control every minute.

But this is MMA. And if we’ve learned anything from superfights, it’s this: the most dangerous fighter is the one with nothing to lose and everything to prove.