Top 3 weaknesses of Islam Makhachev that Ilia Topuria can exploit in their upcoming fight

As anticipation builds for a potential superfight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, fans and analysts alike are diving into every detail of both fighters’ skill sets. Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, has showcased a dominant reign built on relentless grappling, suffocating control, and a vastly improved striking game. However, no fighter is perfect, and Ilia Topuria—the undefeated featherweight champion—may be the man to expose cracks in the Dagestani’s armor. While many believe Makhachev is nearly invincible, Topuria’s dynamic style and fearlessness could bring a new level of threat. If this fight happens, it will not just be about strength and experience—it will be about exploiting weaknesses with surgical precision. Here are the top 3 weaknesses of Islam Makhachev that Ilia Topuria can strategically target in a potential lightweight showdown.

1. Vulnerability to High-Level Strikers

Despite his evolution as a striker, Islam Makhachev’s striking defense is not impenetrable. His last two fights, especially against Alexander Volkanovski and Charles Oliveira, highlighted the fact that when forced to exchange on the feet, Makhachev can get uncomfortable. While he managed to dominate Volkanovski in their rematch with a head-kick KO, in their first fight, Volkanovski had success landing punches, even dropping Makhachev late in the bout. That moment showcased a clear truth—if you can stay standing with Makhachev and keep the fight off the cage, he’s not untouchable.

Topuria, on the other hand, thrives in striking exchanges. With crisp boxing, precise timing, and knockout power, he is a far more dangerous striker than any of Makhachev’s previous opponents. His KO victory over Josh Emmett and dominant performance against Alexander Volkanovski demonstrated that he can break elite fighters with sustained, accurate pressure. Topuria rarely overextends, and he’s methodical in how he sets traps with feints, body shots, and counter punches. Unlike Oliveira, who relies more on chaos, or Volkanovski, who blends his attacks with high-volume striking, Topuria is a calculated finisher. If Makhachev can’t take him down early, Topuria’s striking can punish him, particularly with counters and uppercuts—the latter being historically effective against wrestlers.

Moreover, Topuria’s footwork and ability to cut angles allow him to avoid takedown setups while still landing power shots. This could keep the fight standing longer than Makhachev would like. The longer they strike, the more Topuria can capitalize. Islam’s chin has held up so far, but against someone with Topuria’s surgical power and accuracy, that might not last.

2. Susceptibility to Explosive Transitions and Scrambles

Makhachev is known for his dominance once he secures a takedown and settles into top position. However, there have been moments—though rare—where he’s looked beatable during scrambles. Against Arman Tsarukyan and even briefly against Volkanovski, he struggled with opponents who could create explosive transitions. In other words, fighters who don’t accept bottom position give Makhachev more problems than those who simply try to survive. This is where Topuria’s unique grappling style could shine.

Topuria is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with underrated wrestling. What separates him from many fighters Makhachev has faced is that he combines strong defensive wrestling with a willingness to engage and reverse position. His ability to scramble, sweep, and even threaten submissions from unorthodox angles makes him a puzzle on the mat. If Topuria is taken down, he won’t play the traditional BJJ guard game. Instead, he will attempt to explode, return to his feet, or reverse the position immediately.

Against Makhachev, this is critical. Islam dominates fighters who let him establish wrist control, flatten them out, and grind them with positional control. But when forced to adjust in chaotic scrambles, he doesn’t always look comfortable. If Topuria uses explosive hip movement and constant motion to prevent Makhachev from settling, he could force the champ into a defensive grappling mode—a space Makhachev rarely occupies.

Topuria’s cardio and aggression in transitions could force Makhachev to expend energy earlier than expected. The Dagestani system is built on control and pace, not necessarily speed. That contrast gives Topuria a legitimate path to turn the grappling chess match into a scramble-heavy storm where Makhachev’s composure might break.

3. Limited Adaptation Under Pressure

One of the most overlooked aspects of Makhachev’s skill set is how reliant he is on fighting his fight. When his opponents conform to his rhythm—allowing him to dictate pace, range, and position—he looks untouchable. But when disrupted, Makhachev has shown signs of vulnerability. He’s not a fighter who likes to adjust mid-fight. Against Volkanovski in their first fight, he struggled to switch game plans when his typical pressure and top control were challenged.

Topuria, by contrast, thrives on breaking his opponents’ rhythm. He blends aggression with patience, and he never allows his adversaries to get into a comfort zone. By attacking Makhachev’s legs early, stuffing takedowns with immediate counters, and constantly switching stances, Topuria can confuse and frustrate Makhachev. Frustration leads to desperation—something we saw briefly when Makhachev couldn’t get Volk down late in their first bout. If Topuria pressures Islam and takes away the center of the Octagon, he may expose the champion’s lack of adjustment under stress.

Additionally, Topuria is mentally bulletproof. He’s unshaken by hype, undefeated, and rides an unbreakable confidence that bleeds into every performance. That kind of attitude—bordering on reckless belief—can be kryptonite for someone like Makhachev, who is methodical and requires control to succeed. If Topuria keeps the tempo high and the exchanges unpredictable, he might force Makhachev to either overcommit or freeze up—both of which could lead to a finish.

What This Means for the Lightweight Division

A victory for Ilia Topuria would upend the current lightweight landscape. It would mark the end of Dagestani dominance and create a new era defined by explosive strikers who can grapple. If Topuria beats Makhachev, he would hold belts in two divisions and be one of the few fighters in UFC history to conquer such an uphill challenge without losing.

This fight, if confirmed, will be one of the most technically layered matchups in UFC history. It’s not just about two champions meeting—it’s about two philosophies clashing. Makhachev represents control, patience, and discipline. Topuria embodies chaos, precision, and confidence. Makhachev’s weaknesses may finally be brought to light if Topuria plays his cards right.

Fans are hungry for this showdown because it feels like a true 50/50 fight. While Makhachev may still be the favorite in Vegas, smart money knows that Topuria is not just a featherweight moving up—he’s a threat with all the tools needed to dethrone a champion who many thought unbeatable.

Conclusion: A Clash of Styles That Could Redefine Greatness

Islam Makhachev has looked unbeatable in recent years, but like every champion, he has weaknesses—some minor, some potentially fatal. Ilia Topuria has the perfect style to test those vulnerabilities. With his elite striking, powerful grappling, and explosive movement, Topuria may be able to do what no one else has done: break Islam Makhachev’s dominance.

Whether it’s in the cage later this year or at a UFC event in 2026, this matchup promises to be a defining moment in MMA history. Will the Dagestani discipline prevail once more, or will the new king from Spain and Georgia shock the world? Only time—and the Octagon—will tell.