Ilia Topuria would love the opportunity to go head-to-head with Islam Makhachev for lightweight supremacy. And one UFC icon thinks the Spanish-Georgian has what it takes to get the stoppage.
‘El Matador’ is quickly proving himself as one of the best 145-pound fighters the sport of mixed martial arts has ever seen.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC Alexander Volkanovski thinks Ilia Topuria can knockout Islam Makhachev
On Saturday evening, at UFC 308, inside the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Ilia Topuria produced a scintillating performance to knock Max Holloway out cold.
Now, the lethal operator is keen to move up to the 155-pound division and test out his skills against Islam Makhachev.
And while many think a clash with the Russian might be a step too far, Alexander Volkanovski is convinced his rival has a shot.
Having shared the octagon with both men, the Australian is in the perfect position to analyze a potential match-up.
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And while he believes it would be unwise for Topuria to grapple with Makhachev, he’s convinced in the striking department; the 27-year-old has every chance of landing a fight-ending blow.
In an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, ‘The Great’ said: “A submission, I can’t see that happening. Can he knock Islam out? Absolutely, yes, of course. He could knock anybody out in those two divisions.
“I’ve always said that the only way I can see these guys losing myself, is if they get caught. Who can catch these guys? It’s guys like Ilia.
“He could go out there and land. That’s his only chance. Going out there and submitting and controlling Islam is very unlikely. But Ilia could definitely catch him; you can never count him out.”
Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria go head-to-head in the cage
As soon as Holloway left the octagon at UFC 308, Volkanovski entered, keen to earn redemption against the man who relieved him of his featherweight title.
But rather than engaging in trash talk, the pair shared a pleasant exchange.
Topuria said if ‘anyone deserves a shot, it’s him’, exhibiting the respect he has for the man who previously reigned over the division.
But what did Volkanovski say to the warrior who rendered him unconscious back in January?
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