Islam Makhachev has been warned that his most important weapon could possibly be stifled by Ilia Topuria of their potential super-fight.<\/strong><\/p>\n Talk of the Dagestani and Spanish stars colliding contained in the Octagon has existed ever since \u2018El Matador\u2019 reached the UFC\u2019s featherweight throne and commenced to show his attention to the division above.<\/p>\n Topuria became lightweight king to succeed Makhachev, who also moved as much as turn into a two-weight champion at 170 kilos. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Tell us within the comments how you’ll see this super-fight playing out\u2026<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Topuria called Makhachev a \u201ccoward\u201d after the Russian standout left the lightweight division just as he arrived. He\u2019s shared an analogous sentiment after an apparent injury to the welterweight champ prevented a super-fight on the White House on June 14.<\/p>\n \u2018El Matador\u2019 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.<\/p>\n If it does come to fruition, coach Zahabi disagrees with Joe Rogan\u2019s suggestion that Makhachev shall be too big for Topuria.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s harder to take down a shorter guy than a tall guy like JDM (Jack Della Maddalena). Because attending to his legs \u2014 look, he had a harder time taking down Volkanovski,\u201d said Zahabi, who was formerly the coach of the legendary Georges St-Pierre, during an appearance on n3on\u2019s Kick<\/a> stream.<\/p>\n \u201cTopuria is a significantly better wrestler than JDM. And he\u2019s shorter, which suggests it is tough to get underneath him.<\/p>\n \u201cI’m still picking Makhachev, but I believe it’s the toughest matchup,\u201d he continued. \u201cThe toughest matchup for Makhachev is a brief guy with loads of power.<\/p>\n \u201cKhabib (Nurmagomedov) shoots below the knee, Makhachev doesn\u2019t. He shoots above the knee, so if the guy is brief, it\u2019s harder to get a squeeze in that little space.\u201d<\/p>\n While Topuria prepares to make his return against \u2018The Highlight\u2019, Makhachev\u2019s next UFC fight stays unconfirmed.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Ian Machado Garry is outwardly the frontrunner to challenge Makhachev.<\/p>\nDoes a fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria must occur? \ud83d\udc40<\/h3>\n
![\"Islam](\"https:\/\/bloodyelbow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1\/2026\/01\/BE-Talking-Points-creative-templates-2-1-819x1024.jpg\")
<\/div>Firas Zahabi says Ilia Topuria\u2019s height would prevent Islam Makhachev\u2019s takedowns<\/h2>\n
![\"Islam](\"https:\/\/bloodyelbow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1\/2025\/11\/GettyImages-2246908559-1024x683.jpg\")
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