WITHIN A HIDDEN DANGER: Makhachev's 'Stance' Could Cost Him Dearly If He Fights Ilia Topuria In The Future

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The debate surrounding a potential super-fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria is intensifying, and for good reason. The Dagestani lightweight king, who is now aiming for greatness at 170 lbs, is facing mounting criticism from fans and fighters alike. The issue? A growing perception that Makhachev is dodging Ilia Topuria, the newly crowned featherweight champion with lethal hands and a fearless demeanor.

While Makhachev continues his pursuit of double-champion status in the UFC, questions are being raised about the timing of this move and whether it’s a convenient detour to avoid a high-risk, high-reward fight against a rising superstar. Even top contenders like Cory Sandhagen and Renato Moicano are publicly siding with Topuria, arguing that the Spaniard may pose the biggest stylistic threat Makhachev has ever faced.

Islam Makhachev: The Legacy Path or a Convenient Escape?

Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion, has cemented his dominance with four title defenses and a win streak that extends over 15 fights. A product of the famed Dagestani wrestling lineage, Makhachev has taken out elite contenders like Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, and Dustin Poirier.

Yet, fans are raising eyebrows at his decision to move up to welterweight. The shift comes just as Ilia Topuria burst onto the scene with a thunderous knockout of Volkanovski, snatching the featherweight title and issuing a challenge to Makhachev for a crossover superfight.

Instead of accepting, Makhachev brushed off Topuria’s callout, dismissing him as “unproven at 155”, saying he should first beat a top contender in the lightweight division. However, critics were quick to point out the hypocrisy—Makhachev himself has never fought at welterweight, yet is seeking an immediate title shot at 170 lbs.

The optics don’t sit well with fans, and the backlash is growing louder.

Cory Sandhagen’s Surprising Take: Topuria Wins

On a recent episode of the Overdogs podcast, top bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen gave his brutally honest opinion on the potential clash between Makhachev and Topuria—and it wasn’t favorable for the Dagestani.

“I’m gonna go against what most people say and I honestly think Ilia would win that fight,” said Sandhagen. “I think his (Ilia’s) stature is going to be hard to takedown for Islam, and I think if those two are standing, I just think that Ilia is a way, way dangerous guy standing.”

Sandhagen’s analysis hits at the heart of the stylistic matchup. Makhachev thrives when he’s able to dictate the pace with takedowns and ground control, but Topuria’s compact frame, exceptional balance, and world-class scrambling ability could make that plan difficult.

On the feet, Topuria has the edge in explosiveness and boxing IQ. His ability to mix power with precision makes him a nightmare in prolonged striking exchanges. If the fight stays standing for extended periods, the danger for Islam Makhachev becomes very real.

Renato Moicano Echoes the Sentiment: “Topuria Would Beat Islam”

Another voice joining the pro-Topuria camp is Renato Moicano, a former lightweight title challenger who knows firsthand what it’s like to face Makhachev in the octagon. Moicano, who was submitted by the champion in 2024, believes that Ilia Topuria is the real deal—and potentially the kryptonite to Makhachev’s dominance.

“I think Ilia Topuria would beat Islam Makhachev,” Moicano declared. “With his grappling, the way he moves his head, and his boxing… I think he would impose a lot of trouble to Islam.”

Moicano pointed to Topuria’s performances against Volkanovski and Max Holloway, where the Spaniard showcased not just knockout power, but ring intelligence, calmness under fire, and surprising physicality for a featherweight. According to Moicano, that kind of well-rounded skill set could nullify Makhachev’s grappling advantage and expose his striking defense.

Topuria’s Confidence Matches His Skill

Since winning the featherweight title, Ilia Topuria has shown no fear when calling out names from other divisions. His confidence is sky-high, and he has already expressed a strong desire to move up to 155 lbs to take on Islam Makhachev.

“He [Makhachev] talks about legacy, but legacy means facing the best,” Topuria said in a recent interview. “If you think you’re the best, fight me.”

What makes Topuria a legitimate threat is not just his power—it’s the combination of elite boxing, aggressive pacing, and underrated grappling. His wrestling defense is solid, and he’s comfortable rolling with experienced jiu-jitsu fighters.

Unlike others who froze against Makhachev’s pressure, Topuria has the mindset to stay in the pocket, make reads, and capitalize on mistakes.

Fans Are Siding with Topuria

Social media and MMA forums are buzzing with speculation and support for Topuria, with many fans believing that Makhachev is picking and choosing safer legacy fights.

On Reddit’s r/MMA and Twitter/X, fans shared thoughts like:

“Islam wants to skip Kamaru Usman and fight Leon Edwards, but Topuria has to go through Arman Tsarukyan first? Hypocritical.”
“Topuria hits way harder than Volk and has better boxing. That’s a nightmare matchup for Islam.”
“If Islam really wants legacy, Topuria is the fight to make.”

There’s a growing consensus that Makhachev’s next big legacy test shouldn’t be at welterweight—but rather against the undefeated Spaniard with a killer instinct and an unbeaten streak.

Stylistic Breakdown: Topuria vs. Makhachev

Let’s take a closer look at how the matchup breaks down across key disciplines.

Striking

Topuria has the clear edge. His head movement, footwork, and devastating hooks make him one of the most dangerous punchers at featherweight—and potentially lightweight. Makhachev has improved striking, but it’s still fundamentally defensive and heavily reliant on setting up takedowns.

Wrestling

Makhachev’s strongest suit. His top control and transitions are elite. However, Topuria’s low center of gravity and explosive hips could make him much harder to take down than previous opponents.

Grappling

Both fighters are skilled on the mat. Makhachev uses smothering control, while Topuria utilizes Brazilian jiu-jitsu submissions and scrambles. It’s a closer matchup here than many expect.

Cardio

Makhachev has proven he can go five rounds at a high pace. Topuria has shown great conditioning too but hasn’t gone into deep waters as often. Advantage slightly favors Islam—though Topuria has never appeared to gas.

Power

Topuria wins this category hands down. One shot can end the night, even at lightweight. Makhachev, while sharp and accurate, doesn’t have the same one-punch KO threat.

What Happens Next?

For now, Islam Makhachev is fixated on becoming a two-division champion, potentially facing Leon Edwards for the welterweight title later this year. But the pressure to face Topuria isn’t going away.

UFC President Dana White has already acknowledged the hype surrounding Topuria’s rise, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the promotion push for a blockbuster champ-vs-champ fight if Makhachev secures gold at 170.

Whether it happens at 155, 160 catchweight, or even lightweight with Topuria moving up, this is the kind of high-stakes fight that could define Makhachev’s legacy and Topuria’s superstardom.

Final Word: A Collision Course That Feels Inevitable

In the unpredictable world of MMA, certain fights just feel destined—and Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria is one of them.

Topuria is not just a challenger; he’s a new breed of fighter. Fast, fearless, powerful, and unafraid of anyone. Makhachev may hold the throne today, but if he continues to dodge Topuria, the questions about his legacy will only grow louder.

As Cory Sandhagen put it bluntly: