Ilia Topuria Shocks with Weight Cut Plan for Lightweight, Determined to Destroy Islam Makhachev

UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria is making headlines once again—this time not for his dominance at 145 pounds, but for his ambitious plans to move up to lightweight and challenge the seemingly unbeatable Islam Makhachev. In a move that stunned many fans and analysts, Topuria recently revealed that he’s not only planning the jump to 155 pounds, but also believes he can “destroy” the reigning champion, who many consider to be the most complete fighter in the UFC today.

Known as “El Matador,” Topuria has quickly developed a reputation for blending precision striking, iron confidence, and well-rounded skills into an elite package. After knocking out Alexander Volkanovski and capturing the featherweight crown, Topuria has turned his eyes toward an even more difficult mountain to climb: dethroning Makhachev in the lightweight division.

Why Ilia Topuria Believes He Can Beat Islam Makhachev

Ilia Topuria’s decision to pursue a fight with Islam Makhachev isn’t based on hype—it’s fueled by belief, preparation, and a keen eye for weaknesses in Makhachev’s style. In recent interviews, Topuria has made it clear that he sees flaws in the lightweight champion’s game and is confident that he possesses the tools to neutralize Makhachev’s grappling-heavy approach.

“I know how to fight someone like Islam,” Topuria said. “He’s strong, but I’m smarter, sharper, and more explosive. His time at the top is almost over—I’m coming for that belt.”

Topuria’s confidence isn’t without merit. With an undefeated record and an ever-evolving skill set, he’s shown he can adapt under pressure. His footwork, defensive wrestling, and powerful counters could present a unique threat to Islam Makhachev, who has rarely faced opponents with that kind of striking intelligence combined with takedown defense.

The Weight Cut: A Strategic Gamble

One of the most surprising elements of Topuria’s plan is the weight cut strategy. Rather than bulk up to reach 155 naturally, Topuria says he will maintain his lean featherweight frame and rely on speed, cardio, and technique instead of raw size or strength.

“I’m not going to put on unnecessary weight,” he explained. “Islam is used to fighting slower guys who bulk up. I’ll be lighter, faster, and more dangerous. That’s the plan.”

This approach echoes what some other dual-division fighters have done successfully. Conor McGregor, for instance, didn’t gain much mass when moving from featherweight to lightweight—relying instead on timing and movement. Topuria seems to be emulating that philosophy, but with even more discipline and focus.

Critics, however, argue that fighting at a weight disadvantage could backfire, especially against someone like Makhachev, who thrives on control and ground pressure. But Topuria isn’t worried.

“People forget I’m a black belt. I’ve been grappling all my life. Just because I haven’t needed it in the cage doesn’t mean I can’t use it,” he said.

Ilia Topuria’s Motivation: Legacy Over Comfort

While most champions might look to settle in and defend their belt multiple times, Topuria is chasing something bigger: a legacy that spans two divisions. The allure of becoming a double champion, joining names like Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, Henry Cejudo, and Conor McGregor, is clearly part of his motivation.

“One belt isn’t enough,” Topuria stated. “I’m here to make history. I want people to say, ‘Ilia Topuria was one of the greatest to ever do it.’ And to do that, I have to beat the best—and right now, that’s Islam.”

This pursuit of greatness echoes across all of Topuria’s recent comments and training footage. He’s preparing not just for another fight, but for a career-defining war. The Makhachev bout, if it happens, would instantly become one of the most anticipated lightweight title fights in recent memory.

Islam Makhachev: The Mountain Topuria Must Climb

To understand the magnitude of Topuria’s ambition, one must understand who Islam Makhachev is. The Dagestani fighter, a protege of Khabib Nurmagomedov, has become a dominant force in the lightweight division. With an elite sambo background, suffocating top control, and rapidly improving striking, Makhachev has dismantled nearly everyone put in front of him.

His victories over Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, and others have solidified his place at the top. But Topuria sees opportunity in those performances, especially the second Volkanovski bout, which came on short notice for the Australian.

“Volkanovski was unprepared, and Islam got lucky. That’s not happening with me,” Topuria said.

This isn’t just trash talk—it’s calculated psychology. Topuria is already trying to plant seeds of doubt in Makhachev’s mind while generating buzz and building pressure for the fight.

Training Camp Adjustments and Game Plan

Topuria and his team are reportedly designing a specialized camp for the move to lightweight. Instead of focusing solely on size, they are emphasizing mobility, chain wrestling, submission escapes, and feint-heavy striking. The goal is to keep Makhachev off-balance, forcing him into a striking match where Topuria would hold the edge.

“We’re preparing to break him mentally. He’s never fought someone who can move like me, hit like me, and defend takedowns while staying calm,” Topuria claimed.

His coaches are also bringing in lightweight wrestlers, sambo specialists, and taller southpaws to simulate Islam’s style. Every detail is being considered—this is not a casual jump up in weight, but a meticulously calculated mission.

Fans React: Divide Between Believers and Skeptics

As expected, fan reaction to Topuria’s lightweight plan has been polarizing. Some fans are thrilled at the possibility of another superfight, especially given how rare it is to see an active champion challenge another dominant champion.

Others, however, think Topuria is rushing the process and should focus on defending his featherweight belt first. After all, names like Max Holloway, Movsar Evloev, and Arnold Allen are waiting in the wings and would gladly test the new champion’s resolve.

Still, the hype is building fast. Social media is buzzing with fantasy matchups, predictions, and heated debates. The potential clash between El Matador and Islam could be a massive PPV draw, especially if the UFC positions it as part of a global card featuring international stars.

The UFC’s Role: Will Dana White Approve?

One of the biggest questions now is: Will the UFC make this fight happen? Dana White has traditionally supported ambitious fighters, especially when it creates buzz and sells tickets. But he’s also been known to push for proper divisional defenses before allowing super fights.

If Topuria defends his featherweight title once—perhaps against Holloway or Evloev—it could be enough to clear the way for a Makhachev challenge later in the year or in early 2026.

“We love when champions want to challenge themselves,” White said recently. “Ilia’s a star. Islam’s a killer. If that fight makes sense, we’ll make it happen.”

Timing will be crucial. Islam Makhachev is expected to defend his title again this summer. If both men stay active, a showdown in Abu Dhabi, Spain, or Las Vegas could be on the table by late 2025.

Legacy and History: The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher

If Ilia Topuria pulls off a win over Islam Makhachev, it would be one of the most significant upsets in UFC lightweight history. It would:

• Make Topuria a two-division world champion

• Cement his place as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world

• Bring a new era of international dominance, as a Spanish-Georgian fighter would now hold two belts

On the flip side, a loss wouldn’t necessarily derail his career—but it would interrupt the aura of invincibility that currently surrounds him.

Either way, Topuria is making it clear: he’s not in the UFC to play it safe. He wants to challenge the best, conquer new territory, and leave behind a legacy that can’t be denied.

Final Thoughts: The Matador’s Next Hunt

Ilia Topuria’s plan to move up to lightweight and challenge Islam Makhachev is bold, risky, and utterly thrilling. In an era where many fighters avoid danger and pad their resumes, Topuria is sprinting toward the fire. He’s betting on speed, skill, and strategy—not size.

Whether or not he succeeds, his fearless mentality has already made him one of the most compelling champions in the sport. The UFC fanbase is watching closely. The featherweight king is coming for the lightweight crown—and he’s aiming to destroy the Dagestani empire.