UFC Fans Drop Definitive Take on Whether Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria was Still Possible

Just months prior, a superfight between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev looked like a possibility. However, under current circumstances, that fight looks like a distant possibility. Makhachev has already made his move to the welterweight division, where he has clinched and defended his title. On the contrary, Topuria is currently recovering from a brutal beatdown from Justin Gaethje. Opining on the same, UFC fans chimed in with their takes of if the superfight was still possible.

UFC Fans go Off on Ilia Topuria

In a recent statement, Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, pointed out the complications of such a fight happening now. Fans were quick to hop in. 

“If he fights Islam at welterweight, he’s getting knees in the clinch and then getting submitted,” said a fan. 

“Javier Mendez is foreseeing it already. If Ilia gets 1 win, he will chirp again that he wants that Makhachev fight. He needs more than 1 win. He needs to get his belt back 1st, beat somebody his own age like Arman or or Salkilld, not another unc. Then he can chirp again,” commented another. 

“With all due respect to the master, but he went off the rails commenting on a possible move up by Topuria to welterweight. He's already small in his original division, maybe at 77 kg,” pointed out a fan. 

“He wanted more money but if he was to lose against Islam but he lost against an OLD MAN JUSTIN,” quipped an user. 

“Ilia had his chance of fighting Islam at the White House. Sadly, he (Ilia) walked away; choosing money over legacy!” chimed in another. 

“Yea pretty much; he confirmed turned down & ran from the fight at the White House while Mak accepted; now it’s truly pointless since he got SMOKED; he’ll need 1 to even get back to a title AT LEAST (probably paddy bum *ss) then need to win it next; Mak will be retired by then,” predicted an user. 

What did Javier Mendez Say About the Dream Matchup?

Islam Makhachev’s coach recently stated how the possibility of the fight has significantly decreased since Topuria’s loss. Mendez pointed out that now, ‘El Matador’ would need more than one victory to secure the super fight. Even then, the Spaniard will have to thoroughly dominate his opponents to make a case for himself, Mendez pointed out. 

He also added, “I don’t think, because he’s a smaller guy, I don’t think his body is going to translate as good as he would like it to be at the welterweight division. That’s a lot, that’s a lot.” 

 With the talks of a superfight reigniting, it remains to be seen what’s next.