Arman Tsarukyan Shocks: Only He and Ilia Topuria Are Strong Enough to Challenge Islam Makhachev – Who Will Be the One to Overthrow the Champion?

The UFC lightweight division could soon witness a clash of titans — Ilia Topuria, the undefeated featherweight champion, potentially squaring off against Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight king. Fans and analysts are buzzing about this possible super fight, which promises a classic battle of styles: elite striking and movement versus dominant strength and grappling.

Coach Javi Climent, who has trained Topuria throughout his meteoric rise, has made it clear — if this fight happens, it won’t be easy. In fact, Climent believes Topuria will face the biggest challenge of his career. The real question: can Topuria’s explosive movement neutralize Makhachev’s suffocating grappling game?

Ilia Topuria: The Undefeated Force

Ilia Topuria has emerged as one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC. Born in Germany to Georgian parents and raised in Spain, he brings a multicultural intensity to the octagon that few can match. With a perfect professional record and knockout victories over some of the UFC’s most respected names, Topuria has proven he’s more than hype.

Explosive Movement

One of Topuria’s most valuable weapons is his movement. His footwork, angles, and ability to close or create distance in an instant give him a tactical advantage against many fighters. Coach Javi Climent has helped him develop a fluid yet aggressive style that confuses opponents and allows for creative combinations.

Topuria doesn’t just move — he moves with a purpose. Whether he’s evading strikes, setting traps, or escaping pressure, his ability to control the geography of the cage is unmatched in the featherweight division.

Elite Striking and Knockout Power

Topuria’s striking has been the cornerstone of his success. With a boxing-heavy approach, he lands clean, powerful punches with precision. He dismantled Alexander Volkanovski and took out Max Holloway with a brutal knockout, signaling that his power carries into the elite tier of fighters.

His striking isn’t just about strength; it’s about timing and variety. Jabs, hooks, overhands, and body shots — Topuria mixes them all with confidence. If he gets into rhythm early, it can spell disaster for even the most well-rounded opponents.

Underrated Grappling

Often overlooked due to his striking dominance, Topuria is also a high-level grappler. He holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has multiple submission wins. Against Islam Makhachev, this part of his skill set will be crucial — not necessarily to dominate, but to survive and counter when taken to the ground.

Islam Makhachev: The Lightweight King

Islam Makhachev has lived up to the expectations set by his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. With a current win streak that includes dominant victories over Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier, Makhachev’s blend of sambo, wrestling, and evolving striking makes him a terrifying matchup for anyone.

Unbreakable Strength and Pressure

Makhachev’s grappling is not just about takedowns; it’s about what comes after. Once he establishes top position, very few escape. He uses his strength not just to dominate physically but to drain opponents mentally — often leaving them with no offense of their own.

Improving Stand-Up Game

Though his grappling is his calling card, Makhachev has steadily improved his striking. He’s become more comfortable in exchanges and often uses punches and kicks to set up takedowns. The threat of a left cross or body kick keeps opponents guessing — and vulnerable.

The Khabib Blueprint 2.0

Makhachev has taken the Dagestani grappling style to the next level. His transitions are smoother, his setups more deceptive, and his strategic patience more refined. He’s not just strong and skilled — he’s smart and methodical.

Strength vs. Movement: A Tactical Showdown

This fight will likely be decided by two key elements: Topuria’s movement and Makhachev’s strength. As Coach Climent states, “It’s not just about who’s stronger or faster. It’s about who can impose their rhythm.”

Can Topuria Stay Off the Cage?

Makhachev excels when he forces opponents against the cage. From there, he shoots takedowns or chain-wrestles until he gains control. Topuria must use angle-cutting movement, quick resets, and center control to avoid being trapped.

Cardio and Championship Rounds

Makhachev can fight five hard rounds. Topuria, while explosive, hasn’t yet gone deep in championship rounds. Conditioning will be key, especially if early finishes don’t materialize. Can Topuria maintain his pace while defending takedowns for 25 minutes?

What Happens on the Ground?

Makhachev will almost certainly take this fight to the mat. Once there, Topuria must rely on his scrambling, guard retention, and perhaps even submission attempts to avoid being dominated. It won’t be easy — but with the right plan, it’s possible.

Three Bold Keywords That Will Define the Fight

Elite Movement

Topuria’s best defense and offense lies in his movement. It keeps him elusive and unpredictable. Against a pressure-heavy fighter like Makhachev, this could be the deciding factor.

Grappling Dominance

Makhachev’s bread and butter. If he secures early control, he can wear Topuria down and neutralize his striking. Chain wrestling and ground control will be key weapons.

Fight IQ

Both men are smart fighters. How they adapt, read each other, and make in-fight decisions will shape the outcome. This isn’t just a physical contest — it’s a tactical war.

Prediction and Legacy

If the UFC books this fight, it could become a defining moment in modern MMA. A win for Topuria would crown him a two-division champion and rocket him into superstardom. A win for Makhachev would solidify his reputation as the most dominant lightweight since Khabib.

It’s hard to bet against either. Topuria has speed, movement, and power. Makhachev has strength, control, and intelligence. Expect a tactical battle that could go all five rounds — unless someone finds an opening first.

Conclusion

Coach Javi Climent knows what’s coming. He’s seen the best of Ilia Topuria, but he’s also realistic about the mountain that is Islam Makhachev. This isn’t just another fight — it’s a potential shift in MMA history.

Movement vs. strength. Precision vs. pressure. Will Ilia Topuria rise to the occasion, or will Islam Makhachev prove once again why grappling wins titles?