Coach Javi Climent Warns: Ilia Topuria Will Face a Tough Challenge Against Islam Makhachev – Will the Battle of Movement and Strength Decide?

The UFC is no stranger to high-stakes drama, but when a rising star like Ilia Topuria sets his sights on a dominant champion like Islam Makhachev, the MMA world stops and pays attention. This potential super fight between the reigning featherweight champion and the reigning lightweight kingpin has sparked massive interest, not only due to the high skill levels involved but also because of the stylistic clash it presents: Topuria’s fast-paced, explosive striking versus Makhachev’s suffocating grappling and strength.

Topuria’s coach, Javi Climent, has publicly acknowledged the scale of this challenge. In a recent interview, Climent described the matchup as “our toughest fight” to date, and with good reason. Let’s dive deep into what makes this potential clash so compelling—and why the battle of movement and strength might ultimately decide who leaves the Octagon victorious.

The Rise of Ilia Topuria: Precision, Power, and Fearless Movement

Ilia “El Matador” Topuria has emerged as one of the most electrifying fighters in the UFC. With an undefeated record and a commanding performance against Alexander Volkanovski to claim the featherweight belt, Topuria has shown he’s not just hype—he’s substance.

Explosive Movement

What sets Topuria apart is his ability to control distance and explode into action. His footwork, agility, and constant lateral movement make him an elusive target. Against Volkanovski, he demonstrated how his movement can disorient even the most experienced champions. Topuria doesn’t just bounce in and out; he cuts angles and creates deceptive entries, allowing him to land punishing combinations while avoiding damage.

Elite Striking and Knockout Power

While his movement is world-class, it’s his crisp boxing and KO power that makes him a nightmare on the feet. Topuria has the kind of one-punch power rare in the lighter weight classes, and his ability to mix up his punches with feints and level changes makes him unpredictable. Many experts, including Islam Makhachev’s coach Javier Mendez, have gone so far as to call him “the best boxer in the UFC”—a compliment not given lightly.

Underrated Grappling

Though known for his striking, Topuria’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt shouldn’t be overlooked. He has finished fights via submission and is comfortable on the ground, even against high-level grapplers. This well-roundedness is what gives Climent confidence, despite acknowledging the difficulty of facing a fighter like Makhachev.

Islam Makhachev: The Lightweight Juggernaut

Islam Makhachev is not just another champion—he’s the heir to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legacy, and many believe he has already surpassed his mentor in terms of technical prowess. He has dominated the lightweight division with a blend of wrestling control, suffocating top pressure, and increasingly dangerous striking.

Unbreakable Strength and Pressure

Makhachev’s biggest asset is his physical strength and his ability to implement his game plan without deviation. Once he closes the distance, he transitions seamlessly from clinch to takedown to ground control. Fighters who face him often describe a sense of helplessness once they’re pinned down. According to Mendez, “the only one who’s ever given Islam trouble on the ground is Khabib”—which says all you need to know.

Improving Stand-Up Game

While grappling is his strong suit, Islam has developed a respectable striking arsenal. His head-kick KO of Alexander Volkanovski in their rematch stunned fans and critics alike. This evolution in his stand-up game forces opponents to guess—not knowing whether a kick, punch, or level change is coming next.

The Khabib Blueprint 2.0

Islam’s fight IQ and adaptability are elite. He doesn’t take unnecessary risks, maintains a suffocating pace, and makes very few mistakes. His calculated aggression often forces his opponents to fight off the back foot, minimizing their offense and sapping their cardio.

Strength vs. Movement: The Defining Battlefield

Coach Javi Climent understands the dynamics of this potential showdown. He knows that beating Makhachev will require more than just toughness—it will demand tactical brilliance. Climent has emphasized that movement is one of Topuria’s best weapons, but he also warns that Islam’s strength and grappling could pose unprecedented problems.

Can Topuria Stay Off the Cage?

One of the key questions in this fight will be whether Topuria can avoid the cage. Makhachev’s takedowns are most effective when he’s able to trap opponents against the fence. If Topuria can keep the fight in the center of the Octagon, using his movement to circle away and maintain distance, he’ll have a much better chance at landing clean shots.

Cardio and Championship Rounds

Another variable is conditioning. Topuria has rarely needed to go five hard rounds. Makhachev, on the other hand, has shown he can maintain a grinding pace deep into championship rounds. If the fight goes past round three, Makhachev’s relentless pressure and physicality could begin to wear Topuria down—especially if he’s forced to grapple repeatedly.

Topuria’s Confidence: A Double-Edged Sword?

Topuria has been vocal about his belief that he can knock out or submit Makhachev. Confidence is crucial in a sport like MMA, but overconfidence can be dangerous. Facing someone like Islam Makhachev requires a flawless performance and a realistic understanding of the risks involved.

Coach Climent seems to have a more measured view. While he supports Topuria’s self-belief, he’s also aware that “this is not an easy fight.” He has pointed to Volkanovski’s first fight against Makhachev as a blueprint. In that bout, Volkanovski had moments of success by staying active, mixing up his strikes, and defending takedowns intelligently. Topuria, with better boxing and more stopping power, could potentially execute an even better version of that strategy.

What Happens If It Goes to the Ground?

If and when the fight hits the mat, all eyes will be on how Topuria reacts. While he has a strong grappling background, he’s never faced someone with the control and positional dominance of Makhachev.

Climent has acknowledged this challenge, saying: “We know what Islam brings. We are preparing for the worst-case scenario.” Expect Topuria’s camp to focus heavily on takedown defense, scrambling drills, and submission escapes. If he can neutralize Makhachev’s ground offense or even get back to his feet quickly, it will be a major psychological and tactical victory.