Alexander Volkanovski Drops A Bombshell: Can Only The Dangerous Ilia Topuria KNOCK OUT The Unbeatable Islam Makhachev?

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The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) is abuzz with speculation and expert opinions on who, if anyone, can dethrone the dominant UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev. Recently, former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski shared his thoughts on the matter, pointing out that Makhachev is extremely difficult to beat but could potentially be knocked out by a fighter with the right skill set. According to Volkanovski, Ilia Topuria might just be that fighter.

“Islam is very hard to beat,” Volkanovski said in a recent interview. “I think the only way he loses is if someone knocks him out. And if there’s anyone who can do that, it’s Ilia. He’s got dangerous hands.”

This statement has fueled speculation about a potential showdown between Makhachev and Topuria, two of the most dominant forces in the UFC today. Let’s break down why this fight makes sense, how both fighters stack up, and what it could mean for the future of the lightweight and featherweight divisions.

Ilia Topuria’s Meteoric Rise in the UFC

Ilia Topuria, known as “El Matador,” has been on an unstoppable tear in the UFC, rapidly rising through the ranks with an undefeated record and a string of highlight-reel finishes. The Spanish-Georgian fighter is known for his aggressive style, knockout power, and elite grappling—making him a nightmare matchup for many of his opponents.

Key Wins That Put Topuria on the Map

Knockout Victory Over Alexander Volkanovski (UFC 298 – February 2024)
- Topuria cemented his place as a top-tier fighter when he knocked out Volkanovski in the second round to claim the featherweight title. This victory marked the end of Volkanovski’s dominant four-year reign and proved that Topuria was a force to be reckoned with.
Title Defense Against Max Holloway (UFC 308 – October 2024)
- Many doubted whether Topuria could handle the relentless pressure and volume striking of former featherweight champion Max Holloway. However, Topuria silenced those doubts by securing a knockout victory, making him the first fighter to ever finish Holloway inside the Octagon.

With these wins, Topuria has solidified his reputation as one of the hardest-hitting and most dangerous fighters in the UFC. His knockout power, combined with his wrestling and jiu-jitsu skills, makes him a unique threat to fighters in multiple weight classes.

Islam Makhachev: The Unstoppable Lightweight Champion

Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, has established himself as a dominant force in the sport. Trained by the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev possesses an elite grappling game, suffocating top control, and vastly improved striking.

Since capturing the lightweight title in October 2022, Makhachev has successfully defended his belt multiple times, most notably against Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski. His ability to neutralize even the most skilled strikers with his relentless wrestling makes him one of the most feared fighters in the UFC.

Makhachev’s Most Notable Wins

Submission Victory Over Charles Oliveira (UFC 280 – October 2022)
- Makhachev dominated Oliveira, submitting him in the second round to claim the lightweight title. This win showcased Makhachev’s ability to control high-level grapplers and finish fights decisively.
Knockout Win Over Alexander Volkanovski (UFC 294 – October 2023)
- In their rematch, Makhachev knocked out Volkanovski in the first round, proving that his striking had evolved to match his world-class grappling. This victory silenced critics who believed he was only a ground specialist.

With an undefeated run in the UFC lightweight division and a style that has proven nearly impossible to counter, Makhachev is widely considered the most dominant lightweight in the world today.

Volkanovski’s Take: Could Topuria Be the One to Dethrone Makhachev?

Having faced both men inside the Octagon, Alexander Volkanovski is in a unique position to assess their strengths and weaknesses. His insight carries weight, as he has first-hand experience dealing with their skills and fighting styles.

What Makes Makhachev So Difficult to Beat?

Volkanovski, despite being one of the most well-rounded fighters in the UFC, struggled against Makhachev’s suffocating grappling and striking power. He acknowledges that Makhachev’s biggest strength is his ability to dictate where the fight takes place.

Elite Wrestling & Control: Makhachev’s Sambo-based grappling allows him to take opponents down and keep them there.
Striking Power & Precision: His knockout win over Volkanovski proved he isn’t just a one-dimensional fighter.
Fight IQ: Makhachev rarely makes mistakes and capitalizes on his opponent’s weaknesses.

Why Does Volkanovski Think Topuria Could Beat Him?

Despite Makhachev’s dominance, Volkanovski believes that power is the key to defeating him. He argues that if someone can land clean shots, they have a chance to put Makhachev away. This is where Ilia Topuria comes in.

Explosive Knockout Power: Topuria has finished 13 of his 15 professional fights, many by knockout.
Fast & Precise Striking: Unlike many power punchers, Topuria doesn’t just swing wildly—he places his shots with surgical accuracy.
Ground Game to Match Makhachev: While Topuria’s striking is his primary weapon, he also has a strong grappling base, making it difficult for Makhachev to dominate him on the ground.

Could This Fight Actually Happen?

Does Topuria Want to Move Up to Lightweight?

While Topuria has expressed interest in becoming a two-division champion, he has not officially announced plans to move up to lightweight. However, his success at featherweight, combined with the lack of fresh challengers, makes a move to 155 pounds a logical next step.

Would Makhachev Take the Fight?

Makhachev has been dominant at lightweight but has expressed interest in taking on new challenges. If the UFC sees this fight as a major pay-per-view attraction, there’s a strong chance it could be booked in late 2025 or early 2026.

How Would a Fight Between Makhachev and Topuria Play Out?

This would be a classic striker vs. grappler matchup, but with an added twist—both fighters are well-rounded enough to compete in all areas.

Path to Victory for Islam Makhachev:

Close the distance early and take the fight to the ground.
Avoid prolonged striking exchanges with Topuria.
Use clinch control and top pressure to neutralize Topuria’s power.

Path to Victory for Ilia Topuria:

Keep the fight standing and use lateral movement to avoid takedowns.
Land power shots early to test Makhachev’s chin.
Use defensive wrestling to stuff takedowns and force Makhachev into a striking battle.

Conclusion: A Fight That Could Define an Era

Alexander Volkanovski’s comments have reignited discussions about who, if anyone, can challenge Islam Makhachev’s reign at lightweight. While Topuria has yet to officially make the jump to 155 pounds, his recent performances suggest he has the tools to be a serious threat.

If the UFC books this fight, it would be one of the biggest matchups in recent history—pitting Makhachev’s dominant wrestling against Topuria’s devastating power. Whether it happens in 2025 or later, fans will be eagerly awaiting the potential clash between these two elite fighters.

One thing is for sure: If Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev ever share the Octagon, fireworks are guaranteed.