From Featherweight to Lightweight, Topuria Dares to Call Out Makhachev: The Spanish Predator or the Lost Prey Before the Dagestani Beast?

In a sport where confidence is currency and ambition knows no weight class, Ilia Topuria is making headlines by calling out one of the most dominant champions in modern UFC history—Islam Makhachev. As the reigning UFC Featherweight Champion, Topuria has conquered his division with undeniable power, precision, and poise. But now, the undefeated Spanish-Georgian phenom is eyeing a leap into enemy territory: the lightweight division, ruled by the ruthless Dagestani grappler Islam Makhachev.

The potential clash between these two champions raises electrifying questions. Is Topuria the Spanish predator with the tools to disrupt Makhachev’s reign? Or is he merely a lost prey, venturing into a weight class ruled by relentless sambo pressure and Khabib-style dominance?

Topuria’s Rise in the Featherweight Division: A Predator’s Path

Ilia Topuria’s undefeated record and explosive performances have earned him the nickname “El Matador,” but lately, fans and pundits alike are leaning toward calling him the Spanish predator. He dispatched Alexander Volkanovski in devastating fashion, becoming the first fighter to knock out the long-reigning featherweight king. That performance not only earned him the UFC title but also sent shockwaves throughout the MMA world.

• Flawless Striking: What sets Topuria apart is his clinical striking. His ability to measure distance, cut angles, and counterpunch with devastating timing has made him one of the most feared strikers in the UFC.

• Ground Game Credentials: While striking is his calling card, Topuria’s grappling background in jiu-jitsu and wrestling makes him a dual-threat. His submission wins earlier in his career showed that he is dangerous everywhere.

• Mental Toughness: From facing adversity inside the Octagon to carrying the pressure of representing Spain and Georgia on a global stage, Topuria’s mental game is arguably as sharp as his physical one.

But now, with the featherweight division seemingly under his control, Topuria is making noise about moving up to 155 pounds and challenging Islam Makhachev for the lightweight throne.

Why Islam Makhachev is the Lightweight Beast

To understand the magnitude of Topuria’s callout, one must first grasp the sheer dominance of Islam Makhachev. The Dagestani champion, protégé of Khabib Nurmagomedov, has extended his mentor’s legacy with ruthless consistency, strategic intelligence, and unparalleled grappling skills.

• Elite Sambo Pressure: Makhachev’s wrestling and sambo-based control game has suffocated elite lightweights like Charles Oliveira, Dan Hooker, and Bobby Green. His top control is relentless, and once he takes you down, few escape.

• Improved Striking: Under coach Javier Mendez at AKA, Makhachev has evolved into a well-rounded fighter. His ability to control distance with kicks, use precise left hands, and counter with sharp timing has made him dangerous on the feet.

• Fight IQ and Patience: What makes Makhachev so terrifying is his ability to adapt mid-fight. He’s not just a physical force—he’s a tactical mastermind, waiting for opponents to make mistakes before pouncing.

In short, Makhachev isn’t just the king of the lightweight jungle—he’s the apex predator. Topuria is stepping into territory where elite fighters have been broken, dominated, and discarded.

Topuria’s Bold Callout: Confidence or Career Suicide?

Following his victory over Volkanovski, Ilia Topuria didn’t mince words in calling out Makhachev. In interviews and social media posts, Topuria claimed:

“I’m not afraid of Islam. I’ve seen his fights. I see weaknesses. He’s beatable, and I will be the one to do it.”

This callout was met with a mixture of admiration and skepticism. On one hand, fans love a champion who isn’t content to stay safe in one division. On the other, many view challenging Makhachev as a reckless move, especially without testing the waters at lightweight against ranked contenders first.

But Topuria is not your average fighter. His confidence stems from a perfect 15–0 record, elite-level finishing ability, and the belief that Makhachev’s grappling-heavy style is not invincible.

Critics argue that Topuria may be overlooking the size and strength difference. While he walks around close to lightweight range, Makhachev is known to cut a significant amount of weight and still maintains incredible strength and cardio deep into fights.

The Physical Factor: Size, Power, and Pressure

Moving from featherweight to lightweight isn’t just about 10 extra pounds on the scale. It’s about facing naturally larger, stronger, and more durable fighters. Topuria’s frame, while compact and muscular, will be tested against fighters who can absorb more damage and deliver more punishment.

• Chin Testing: Makhachev has never been knocked out. While Michael Johnson stunned Khabib briefly in the past, no one has dropped Islam clean. Can Topuria’s power translate up a weight class?

• Grappling Exchanges: Topuria has excellent jiu-jitsu, but Makhachev’s top pressure is designed to nullify offensive submissions. How will Topuria handle being under constant positional control?

• Cardio at Lightweight: Fighting against a pressure grappler like Makhachev can exhaust even the most conditioned athletes. Will Topuria’s cardio hold if the fight drags into championship rounds?

These are the critical variables in determining whether Topuria’s ambition is brilliance or bravado.

Fan Reactions and UFC Implications

The MMA community has been abuzz with the possibility of a champion vs. champion clash between Topuria and Makhachev. Some fans view it as the perfect crossover fight—power vs. pressure, striker vs. grappler, new blood vs. established dominance.

Others are urging caution. Many believe Topuria should defend his featherweight title at least once before thinking of super fights. Possible defenses against Max Holloway, Arnold Allen, or a Volkanovski rematch would help solidify his legacy at 145 before moving up.

However, Dana White and the UFC brass are known for booking fights that drive attention, PPV buys, and global hype. With Topuria drawing massive Spanish and European fan bases and Makhachev commanding dominance across the Middle East and Russia, the clash could be a global blockbuster.

What Would a Fight Look Like? Predicting Topuria vs. Makhachev

If the UFC were to book Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev, the stylistic match-up would be electric.

• Round 1–2: Expect Topuria to press forward early, trying to land heavy shots. He’ll look to test Makhachev’s chin and keep the fight standing at all costs.

• Makhachev’s Strategy: Islam will likely stay composed, use his jab and kicks, and time a takedown the moment Topuria overextends. From there, ground control becomes critical.

• Championship Rounds: If the fight reaches rounds 4 and 5, Makhachev has the edge. His cardio and positional dominance give him an advantage in longer battles.

For Topuria to win, he’ll need to land early and decisively—possibly even scoring a rare knockout against the Dagestani beast. For Makhachev, the path to victory is grind, control, and break the challenger.

Final Thoughts: Predator or Prey?

Ilia Topuria’s willingness to leap into the fire against Islam Makhachev is a bold move, fueled by confidence and an unshakable belief in his skills. He’s conquered featherweight, taken out one of the greatest champions in Volkanovski, and now dares to challenge the most feared lightweight on the planet.

But ambition can be a double-edged sword. If Topuria succeeds, he joins the rare list of two-division champions and etches his name among the greats. If he fails, he risks derailing a perfect career trajectory.

Is Topuria the Spanish predator, ready to shock the world again? Or will he be the lost prey, overwhelmed and dominated by the Dagestani beast?