Ilia Topuria Reveals Secrets Before UFC 317: What Makes Islam Makhachev So Fearful?

The countdown to UFC 317 is intensifying, and with it, the psychological warfare between two of the UFC’s most dominant champions—Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev—has begun. While fans are still digesting the shock announcement that Topuria, the undefeated featherweight champion, will move up to challenge Makhachev for the lightweight title on June 28, the Spanish-Georgian fighter has already taken things to the next level. In a series of recent interviews, Topuria hasn’t just predicted victory—he’s revealed key psychological insights into his opponent’s mentality. According to Topuria, there’s more to Makhachev than just Dagestani discipline and physical prowess. Beneath the surface, he claims, lies a fighter who harbors subtle fears—fears that Topuria is prepared to exploit inside the Octagon.

Ilia Topuria: Undefeated and Unapologetically Bold

Ilia Topuria has never been one to hold back. Whether in the cage or on the microphone, he operates with a level of confidence that borders on cocky—but every step of the way, he’s backed it up. With an unblemished record and a recent title-winning knockout over Alexander Volkanovski, Topuria has become one of the most talked-about stars in MMA. Now, as he prepares to jump up a weight class for a legacy-defining superfight, he’s making it clear that he sees Islam Makhachev as beatable—and vulnerable. In a revealing interview on Spanish media, Topuria stated, “Islam is not a god. He’s human. I’ve seen fear in his eyes before. He’s worried about facing someone who isn’t afraid of him.” It’s a calculated psychological jab aimed at unsettling a champion whose stoic demeanor rarely breaks. But Topuria isn’t just playing mind games—he genuinely believes his pressure, his striking, and his refusal to respect Makhachev’s grappling pedigree will cause the Dagestani champion to hesitate when it matters most.

What Makes Islam Makhachev Fearful? Topuria Spells It Out

So, what exactly is Topuria referring to when he talks about Islam Makhachev’s fear? According to him, the fear stems from three specific vulnerabilities: exposure to elite striking, psychological pressure from an undefeated opponent, and the risk of legacy damage. First, Topuria points to Makhachev’s performances against Alexander Volkanovski. While Makhachev won both fights—one via decision and the second via knockout—Topuria argues that Volkanovski exposed cracks in Makhachev’s game during the first bout. “He didn’t dominate Volk. Volk took him to deep waters, and Islam looked uncomfortable. Now imagine that, but with me—bigger power, younger, faster, and I’m not scared to stuff takedowns and fire back.” Second, Topuria highlights the psychological pressure of defending the throne against an undefeated fighter. “He knows if he loses to me, I take everything. His belt, his aura, his momentum. That’s not just a loss—that’s a collapse.” Finally, Topuria hits on legacy. With Makhachev now being compared to Khabib Nurmagomedov, the stakes of losing have never been higher. “He’s afraid of failing his people. That’s real fear. I’m here to make it come true.”

The Rise of Ilia Topuria: Champion Mentality, Killer Instinct

Ilia Topuria’s journey to UFC superstardom hasn’t been conventional, but it’s been undeniably thrilling. Born in Germany to Georgian parents and raised in Spain, Topuria brings a unique mix of European flair and Eastern grit to the Octagon. He burst onto the UFC scene with a violent, no-nonsense fighting style that quickly separated him from the pack. His recent destruction of Alexander Volkanovski sent shockwaves through the sport and earned him the featherweight belt. But Topuria’s ambitions don’t stop at 145 pounds. He’s repeatedly spoken about wanting to become a two-division champion—a goal he believes will be fulfilled at UFC 317. What sets Topuria apart isn’t just his skill set, which includes explosive striking and underrated grappling. It’s his mindset. He treats every fight like a destiny, not a possibility. His unwavering belief in himself borders on obsession, and it’s that mental edge he believes will be the deciding factor against Makhachev. “I’ve already visualized every second of this fight. I’ve beaten him in my mind 100 times. Now I just need to do it once for the world to see.”

Makhachev’s Silence: Confidence or Concern?

Interestingly, while Topuria has been vocal and bold in the lead-up to UFC 317, Islam Makhachev has remained largely silent. Outside of a few respectful acknowledgments and some promotional posts, the lightweight champion has avoided feeding the media frenzy. For his supporters, this silence is a sign of his trademark composure. For Topuria and his team, it’s something else entirely. “He’s quiet because he doesn’t know what to say. This isn’t like fighting Poirier or Oliveira or Volk. I’m a different puzzle,” Topuria said. Still, the Dagestani’s silence could also be strategic. In past bouts, Makhachev has preferred to speak through action. His dominance over elite opposition speaks louder than any trash talk. However, Topuria is betting that this time, that silence masks something deeper—hesitation in the face of a challenger unlike any he’s faced before. As the fight draws closer, the contrast in their approaches—Topuria’s fire vs. Makhachev’s ice—adds another layer of intrigue to a bout already bursting with drama.

Technical Breakdown: Topuria’s Pressure vs. Makhachev’s Control

From a stylistic standpoint, this is a fascinating clash of elite-level skill sets. Makhachev’s strength lies in his wrestling and positional dominance. Once he gets a takedown, he rarely loses control. He neutralizes his opponents with methodical precision, rarely rushing, always calculating. But Topuria believes his forward pressure and striking diversity will disrupt that rhythm. “He’s used to guys backing up. I’ll be walking him down from the first second,” he declared. Topuria’s striking isn’t just aggressive—it’s clinical. He throws combinations with speed and power, mixes body and head attacks, and has shown the ability to put opponents out cold with a single shot. He also has strong takedown defense, honed under the radar in his camp, where he trains with high-level grapplers. If Topuria can keep the fight standing, he believes the fight is his to lose. On the other side, Makhachev will look to test Topuria’s cardio, drag him into grappling exchanges, and wear him down with chain wrestling and control. The question is: can he ground Topuria without eating a bomb on the way in?

What’s at Stake: History, Legacy, and Double Gold

This isn’t just another main event. UFC 317 represents a crossroads for both fighters’ legacies. For Makhachev, a win solidifies his reign and builds the case for being one of the greatest lightweights of all time. He would have successfully defended his title against two reigning champions from other divisions—an unprecedented feat. For Topuria, the stakes are even higher. A win would make him one of the youngest double champions in UFC history and instantly catapult him into global superstardom. He would be the first fighter from Spain to hold two belts and the face of a new international era for the UFC. The winner walks away with immortality, while the loser will have to regroup, rebuild, and confront the unforgiving nature of legacy fights. Topuria’s confidence isn’t arrogance—it’s a recognition that moments like this don’t come twice.

Final Thoughts: A Mental War Before the Physical One

As the clock ticks down to June 28, one thing is clear: Ilia Topuria is not just preparing his body—he’s waging a psychological war. By questioning Makhachev’s fear, poking holes in his invincibility, and projecting unshakable belief, he’s trying to control the narrative before they ever touch gloves. Whether this strategy works or backfires remains to be seen, but it undeniably adds to the electricity surrounding UFC 317. In a sport where confidence can be the deciding blow, Topuria is swinging early and aiming for the mind. The Octagon will reveal the truth, but until then, the war of words is Topuria’s to win. And if he’s right—if Makhachev really is afraid—then the outcome of this fight may have already begun to tilt toward the underdog with an undefeated dream.