Ilia Topuria and the Shocking Plan: Learning from Khabib to ‘Annihilate’ Islam Makhachev in the Historic Fight

The UFC lightweight division is on the brink of a generational shift. As some of the biggest names in 155-pound MMA history approach the twilight of their careers, a new wave of fearless, ferocious, and ultra-confident contenders is ready to take their place. And perhaps no name stands out more than Ilia Topuria, the reigning featherweight champion who is eyeing a historic leap into the most competitive division in the UFC.

Topuria, known as “La Leyenda” (The Legend), is not just thinking about moving up to lightweight. He’s planning something much bigger. The Spanish-Georgian phenom wants to defeat Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight king, in the most dominant way possible—by submission—and call out Khabib Nurmagomedov in the process. That level of ambition, combined with his undefeated record and brash confidence, has shaken the lightweight division to its core.

The End of an Era: Lightweight Division on the Brink of Change

For years, the UFC’s 155-pound division has been home to iconic wars and legendary fighters. Names like Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, and Michael Chandler have delivered unforgettable battles. But Father Time is undefeated, and the evidence of the generational transition is everywhere.

At UFC 299, Dustin Poirier staved off a rising contender in Benoit Saint-Denis, showing he’s still got elite skill—but only barely. At UFC 313, Rafael Fiziev failed to get over the Gaethje hurdle once again, raising questions about whether he belongs in the top five. Even the ultra-talented Arman Tsarukyan, despite a gritty split decision win over Oliveira, looked vulnerable under pressure.

While many of these new names struggle to break through, Ilia Topuria is bypassing the traditional climb. He’s not interested in playing the slow game. He’s aiming directly at the top—Islam Makhachev, the Dagestani powerhouse who has ruled the division with an iron grip since taking over from Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Topuria’s Featherweight Reign: Dominance at 145 Pounds

Before turning his sights to the lightweight division, Ilia Topuria made his name at 145 pounds with a streak of dominant performances. His recent dismantling of Alexander Volkanovski to win the featherweight title sent shockwaves through the MMA world. Many believed Volkanovski was untouchable. Topuria made it look easy.

What separates Topuria from other rising stars is his blend of technical precision, knockout power, and submission skills. His striking is fluid, aggressive, and calculated. His grappling is suffocating. He fights with the confidence of a man who already sees himself as a future UFC legend.

And now, he’s ready to step onto a much bigger stage.

“I’ll Submit Makhachev in Front of Khabib”: Topuria’s Plan to Shock the World

In a recent appearance on the PBD Podcast, Ilia Topuria laid out a bold—and borderline disrespectful—plan for his potential fight with Islam Makhachev. According to Topuria, he doesn’t just want to win. He wants to submit Makhachev with his favorite choke, potentially a D’Arce choke, and do it while taunting Khabib Nurmagomedov cageside.

“I’ll ask [Makhachev] what his favorite submission is,” Topuria said. “Maybe a D’Arce. Then I’ll submit him with that. I’ll do it close to Khabib… Khabib used to slam people and talk to Dana. I’ll do that to Makhachev, then talk to Khabib: ‘I had to do it, brother.’”

This statement is more than just trash talk. It’s a declaration of intent and belief. Topuria sees himself not just as a challenger, but as a revolutionary force—someone who will redefine what the UFC lightweight division looks like in the post-Khabib era.

The Makhachev Dilemma: Is Islam Truly Untouchable?

Since becoming champion, Islam Makhachev has defended his belt against top names like Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski. He’s shown elite wrestling, control, and composure. Much like Khabib, he dominates with position before submission, slowly breaking down opponents with relentless grappling pressure.

But there are cracks in the armor. In his second fight against Volkanovski at UFC 294, Islam showed improved striking, but many still question how he would fare against an aggressive fighter with power, speed, and elite jiu-jitsu. That’s where Topuria fits perfectly.

Topuria’s mix of knockout ability, submission threats, and forward pressure could pose the most difficult stylistic matchup Makhachev has ever seen. Unlike Volkanovski, who was moving up but lacked the grappling depth to truly threaten Islam, Topuria is a born finisher. He doesn’t just outpoint his opponents—he finishes them.

Spanish and Georgian Pride: A New Global Icon in the Making

One of the most fascinating aspects of Topuria’s rise is his cultural background. Born in Germany to Georgian parents, raised in Spain, and representing both countries proudly, he has become a global star. He carries the flag of Spain and Georgia into every fight, and his European fan base continues to grow rapidly.

In Spain, where MMA is still growing, Topuria is already being treated like a national treasure. In Georgia, he’s viewed as a modern warrior. His potential superfight against Islam Makhachev could be one of the biggest global matchups in UFC history—East versus West, tradition versus rebellion.

And if he wins, he could become the first UFC fighter to truly unite the Spanish-speaking world under one MMA icon.

The Featherweight-Legacy Tradeoff: Leaving a Division Behind

There is one major risk in Topuria’s ambition: leaving his newly-won featherweight belt behind. At 145 pounds, he has plenty of interesting matchups waiting for him—Max Holloway, Brian Ortega, or a Volkanovski rematch. But Topuria seems uninterested.

He’s said repeatedly that he wants legacy, not just title defenses. And for him, that legacy lies at 155 pounds. Becoming a double champion, especially by dethroning someone as respected as Makhachev, would etch his name among the greatest of all time.

But will the UFC allow it? Will Dana White book this superfight, or force Topuria to defend his title first? That remains to be seen. Yet Topuria’s star power and the fan demand might force the promotion’s hand.

The Hype and the Danger: Will Topuria Live Up to the Legend He’s Writing?

There’s always a danger when a fighter jumps weight classes, especially against someone as dominant as Islam Makhachev. But Ilia Topuria isn’t just another hype job. He’s been tested. He’s passed every challenge. And now, he wants the biggest test of all.

His ability to sell fights, cut precise promos, and create polarizing storylines makes him marketable in a way that few modern fighters are. Whether fans love him or hate him, they will tune in to watch him fight. Especially if it’s against a stoic, no-nonsense opponent like Makhachev.

That fight sells itself: The grappling king vs. the submission assassin, the Russian machine vs. the Spanish storm, legacy vs. rebellion.

What’s Next: Will Topuria vs. Makhachev Become Reality?

The UFC loves drama. The UFC loves confidence. And the UFC definitely loves a superfight. If Ilia Topuria continues to push for this matchup, and if Islam Makhachev remains dominant, there’s a real chance this fight headlines a major pay-per-view—possibly UFC 316 or beyond.

The timing is perfect. The old guard is slowly fading. The new contenders are finding their way. And in the middle of it all stands Ilia Topuria, arms raised, legacy in his sights, and one mission on his mind: choking out Makhachev in front of Khabib.

That’s not just a fight. That’s a moment in MMA history waiting to be written.