The Truth About Topuria vs Makhachev: Why Ilia Will DESTROY Islam

The MMA world is buzzing with speculation, and the biggest “what if” on every fan’s mind is clear: Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev. Could the explosive featherweight king really topple the lightweight juggernaut? While many believe Islam Makhachev is unbeatable, there’s a growing case to be made that Ilia Topuria has the perfect style and mindset to destroy him. This isn’t just hype—there’s real evidence that Topuria could be the one to end Makhachev’s dominance.

Let’s break it down.

Topuria’s Striking is on Another Level

Ilia Topuria’s hands are fast, precise, and ruthless. We saw it in his devastating knockout of Alexander Volkanovski—a fighter who took Islam Makhachev to his absolute limit. Unlike Islam’s patient, grinding style, Topuria overwhelms opponents with explosive combinations, killer instinct, and elite-level boxing mechanics.

• Topuria’s striking accuracy is among the highest in the UFC.

• He doesn’t just knock people out—he times counters with cold precision.

• His head movement and footwork allow him to slip danger and explode forward, a nightmare for someone like Makhachev who depends on rhythm and control.

If the fight stays on the feet for more than a minute, Topuria has the tools to make Islam uncomfortable in ways no one else has.

Topuria’s Ground Game is Criminally Underrated

While fans praise Makhachev’s Khabib-style wrestling, they often overlook the fact that Ilia Topuria is a black belt in jiu-jitsu with multiple submission wins. He’s not just some striker with no answer to takedowns—he’s dangerous on the mat, capable of scrambling, countering, and attacking submissions off his back.

• His grappling defense is elite, especially against chain wrestlers.

• In previous fights, Topuria has stuffed takedowns and reversed positions against very competent grapplers.

• He has a killer guillotine and triangle game, which could catch Islam during a sloppy shot or transition.

While Islam might look for the takedown early, Topuria is more than capable of surviving and reversing the script.

Islam Has Never Faced Someone Like Topuria

Let’s be honest—Islam Makhachev has dominated the lightweight division, but most of his opponents have lacked the explosiveness, timing, and movement that Topuria brings.

• Oliveira, Volkanovski, and Dariush all struggled with Islam’s pace and pressure—but none had Topuria’s KO threat.

• Volkanovski gave Islam his toughest fight, despite being smaller—and Topuria destroyed Volkanovski with ease.

• Islam has never faced someone who can walk him down with confidence, force him to retreat, and still be dangerous off his back.

Ilia is a hybrid athlete—the rare fighter who combines raw power with high IQ, something Islam has never had to adapt to in real time.

Topuria Is Mentally Unbreakable

While Islam thrives on methodical control, Topuria thrives on chaos. He invites it, thrives under pressure, and embraces the biggest moments.

• His confidence is bulletproof—you won’t see Topuria flinch or hesitate.

• He’s never been outclassed or broken mentally in a fight.

• When the lights are bright and the stage is set, Topuria comes alive—he doesn’t just want to win, he wants to dominate.

Islam is used to fighters folding under his control. Topuria won’t.

Momentum is on Topuria’s Side

Ilia Topuria is in his prime, undefeated, and becoming a mainstream star. His performances are growing more dominant with every fight. Islam, on the other hand, has taken damage, been through wars, and may be nearing a plateau.

• Makhachev’s last few fights have shown some vulnerability, particularly when he can’t control the pace.

• Topuria, meanwhile, is finishing elite fighters with ease and swagger.

If the two were to fight in 2025 or 2026, Topuria’s momentum, speed, and hunger would tilt the scales in his favor.

What Would the Fight Look Like?

Here’s the likely breakdown:

• Round 1: Islam presses forward, hunting the takedown. Topuria keeps the fight standing, lands clean shots early.

• Round 2: Makhachev finally gets a takedown, but Topuria scrambles, stands, and hurts him in the exchange.

• Round 3: Topuria picks up the pace, lands a massive combo, and finishes Makhachev via TKO or clean KO.

It’s not just possible—it’s plausible. And it’s the fight that fans deserve.

Topuria Is Built to Break the Dagestani Code

Every great run must end. Just as Khabib never met a fighter like Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje at their peak, Islam might finally meet his kryptonite in Ilia Topuria.

• Striking advantage: Topuria

• Speed and explosion: Topuria

• Jiu-jitsu and submission threats: Topuria holds his own

• Fight-ending power: Topuria by a landslide

Islam has experience and pressure—but Topuria has dynamite and ice in his veins.

Final Word: The Future Is Ilia Topuria

The narrative is shifting. While Makhachev remains the most dominant lightweight, Ilia Topuria is the most dangerous fighter outside that division—and he’s hungry to prove it.

In the clash between discipline and chaos, control and creativity, Ilia Topuria might just be the force that shatters the Dagestani dynasty.

Believe the hype. Ilia won’t just beat Islam—he might destroy him.