Ilia Topuria Explains Why He’s the Worst Possible Matchup for Islam Makhachev

A showdown between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev has been one of the UFC's most talked-about dream fights in recent times. Two vastly different styles, two dreaded fighters, innumerable storylines, and one matchup that fans have relentlessly demanded. 

Despite the hype, the fight never came together. That hasn't stopped Topuria from believing he'd be the man to finally crack the Dagestani's seemingly unbeatable formula despite suffering his first UFC defeat last month. 

The Spaniard insists he possesses the tools every previous challenger has lacked, and while he's no longer blaming Makhachev for the fight falling through, he's still convinced the result would be the same if they ever shared the Octagon

Ilia Topuria Believes He Has the Blueprint To Beat Islam Makhachev

For starters, few fighters have spoken about facing Islam Makhachev with as much confidence as Topuria. In fact, the 29-year-old has never hidden his desire to test himself against the pound-for-pound king, but unlike many of the Dagestani’s past opponents, he doesn't believe the fight begins and ends with defending takedowns.

Instead, Topuria argues that grappling is one of his biggest strengths. In a recent exclusive to ALF Global, “El Matador” said, "100%. I believe that," Topuria said when asked if he could beat Makhachev. "I wrestled since I was a kid. I grew up, as I told you, on the ground doing grappling matches and all that."

Ilia Topuria can Flip the Script

Rather than being wary of Makhachev's wrestling pedigree, the former champ believes he can match it and even turn the tables.

"I wouldn't have any problem to go in there and take him down, control him on the ground, then stand up in the striking," Ilia Topuria continued, "so, I know how to beat him. I have my strategies in my head. I've watched almost all of his fights, and I know his weaknesses."

Despite Makhachev building his reputation by overwhelming elite fighters in every phase of mixed martial arts, Topuria believes the difference lies not only in technique but also in mentality.

"I'm not like all the guys he's faced in the past. I'm something different. The difference between me and the others is that I never give up. I'm going to fight until my last breath."

Topuria Believes UFC, not Dana White, Standing in the Way

While the absence of a Topuria-Makhachev superfight has fueled endless speculation, the former two-division champion believes the decision ultimately rests with the UFC rather than with either fighter.

Earlier in May, Topuria admitted he doesn't think  Makhachev is responsible for the matchup falling apart, stating, 

"I don't think that it's because of him that the fight is not happening," Topuria said. "I truly believe that the UFC doesn't want to make it happen." In addition, he stopped short of directly criticizing UFC CEO Dana White, acknowledging that matchmaking decisions are ultimately made by the promotion.

"But at the same time trying to teach something to the UFC, how to make the fights and all that, that's a little bit difficult because the answer they have, which is correct, is that we don't need your opinion," he said with a laugh. "We build whatever we have in our way. So we do it however we want it. And it's completely understandable."

Ilia Topuria Not Close with Dana White

Now, however, Topuria revealed that, contrary to what many fans might assume, he doesn't have a close personal relationship with the UFC head honcho despite becoming one of the UFC's biggest stars. According to him, their interactions have largely remained professional, centered around business rather than friendship.

Even if the long-discussed clash with Makhachev never materializes, Topuria insists it won't define his legacy. He believes the bout would rank among the biggest fights in UFC history. At the same time, he says he doesn't need to beat Makhachev to validate everything he has already accomplished inside the Octagon.