A former UFC BMF champion has offered his perspective on a hypothetical superfight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria.
Initial reports suggested Ilia Topuria had agreed to move up to welterweight to face champion Islam Makhachev in a bout scheduled for June 14 at the White House, with Topuria reportedly vacating his current championship. However, the fight was reportedly called off after Topuria suffered a hand injury.
UFC President Dana White, however, later clarified that a Makhachev vs. Topuria bout was never officially planned for the UFC Freedom 250 event.
Instead, Topuria is now scheduled to compete against current two-time interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje on June 14. Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev is recovering from a hand injury, with no immediate timeline for his return or his first title defense.
Jorge Masvidal Breaks Down Potential Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria Superfight
During a discussion on his podcast, Jorge Masvidal analyzed the hypothetical Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria matchup. Masvidal acknowledged Topuria’s incredible striking power, capable of knocking out any opponent. However, he emphasized that if Makhachev were to secure a takedown, it would likely spell the end for “El Matador.”
“Gamebred” (Masvidal) recalled Makhachev’s dominant welterweight debut at UFC 322, where he easily controlled Jack Della Maddalena for five rounds and took his title.
Masvidal further commented that while Topuria and “JDM” (Jack Della Maddalena) are outstanding strikers, Makhachev’s Dagestani wrestling skills operate on an entirely different plane.
“I could see Islam taking Ilia down and making his day very, very long, or Ilia getting in there, using his hands and catching him, because in my book, Ilia is maybe two notches faster than Makhachev, and his power is unreal, incomparable. But Makhachev on the ground doesn’t get tired, can submit you from anywhere, and is just so damn good at getting to your legs and making you work. Jack’s striking is second to none, and Islam played with him.”
— Jorge Masvidal