Ilia Topuria backed to resist Islam Makhachev’s takedown attempts by Georges St-Pierre’s coach

Islam Makhachev has been warned that his most important weapon could possibly be stifled by Ilia Topuria of their potential super-fight.

Talk of the Dagestani and Spanish stars colliding contained in the Octagon has existed ever since ‘El Matador’ reached the UFC’s featherweight throne and commenced to show his attention to the division above.

Topuria became lightweight king to succeed Makhachev, who also moved as much as turn into a two-weight champion at 170 kilos.

Now, Topuria is plotting to chase his rival to welterweight in pursuit of a historic three-division feat. If he does, many consider size will hamper the 155-pound titleholder, but Firas Zahabi isn’t so sure.

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Firas Zahabi says Ilia Topuria’s height would prevent Islam Makhachev’s takedowns

Topuria called Makhachev a “coward” after the Russian standout left the lightweight division just as he arrived. He’s shared an analogous sentiment after an apparent injury to the welterweight champ prevented a super-fight on the White House on June 14.

‘El Matador’ isn’t giving up hope of the fight coming to fruition and plans to call for it again after getting past Justin Gaethje of their unification fight in Washington D.C.

If it does come to fruition, coach Zahabi disagrees with Joe Rogan’s suggestion that Makhachev shall be too big for Topuria.

“It’s harder to take down a shorter guy than a tall guy like JDM (Jack Della Maddalena). Because attending to his legs — look, he had a harder time taking down Volkanovski,” said Zahabi, who was formerly the coach of the legendary Georges St-Pierre, during an appearance on n3on’s Kick stream.

“Topuria is a significantly better wrestler than JDM. And he’s shorter, which suggests it is tough to get underneath him.

“I’m still picking Makhachev, but I believe it’s the toughest matchup,” he continued. “The toughest matchup for Makhachev is a brief guy with loads of power.

“Khabib (Nurmagomedov) shoots below the knee, Makhachev doesn’t. He shoots above the knee, so if the guy is brief, it’s harder to get a squeeze in that little space.”

While Topuria prepares to make his return against ‘The Highlight’, Makhachev’s next UFC fight stays unconfirmed.

Dana White said the Dagestani will defend his title for the primary time in August, however the champ recently teased a July bout on social media.

Ian Machado Garry is outwardly the frontrunner to challenge Makhachev.