On Wednesday, UFC CEO Dana White delivered a startling update about Ilia Topuria vacating the Featherweight title. Topuria won the title against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 last year and cemented his reign by defending it against the division's old guard, Max Holloway. As the El Matador conquered two of the biggest names of the division, the murmurs about what should be his next move began, and the knowers of the sport speculated about him climbing the weight ladder to welcome a fresh challenge in his career. A fight between him and the UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev is an anticipated one, and since he has renounced his title, the likelihood of the fight taking place has exponentially increased.
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Islam Makhachev Will Enter as The Favorite Against Ilia Topuria
While it is yet to be announced why Ilia Topuria has given away the UFC Featherweight Title, the fans and experts unanimously believe that he is set to enter the Lightweight division next and will challenge the king of the respective sphere next. Though a fight announcement between Topuria and Makhachev will send the fans into a frenzy, a deeper narrative will emerge which will shed light on the same query which has been asked a lot in the last few years but always the same answer has prevailed.
Islam Makhavhev's dominance as the Lightweight champion has been unparalleled. The fighter has convincingly defeated whoever has challenged him for the championship and his reign does not seem to end. Thus, with a daunting challenge in front of him, can Ilia Topuria do what many have tried but failed? Should the colossal clash materialise, the pre-match odds will favour Makhachev.
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Topuria Has the Experience of Knocking Out Men of Considerably Bigger Size
However, considering Topuria can make his opponents sleep with just a punch, he will fancy his chances again. Moreover, the popular word is that despite being a fighter with a superior range, Makhachev will have a size advantage over Topuria as well.
Although, size is an aspect that is capable of affecting a fight but Topuria won't be affected by that as he has experience of knocking out men with severely higher weight than him.
UFC fighter Terrance McKinney has heard rumors that convince him the sublime striker would have a shot at upsetting the apple cart and beating Islam Makhachev despite the size disparity.
In an interview with Inside Fighting, he explained: “I heard he’s been knocking out 170 pounders, so I don’t think it really matters.
“I saw a little video clip – I forgot who sent it – but I was like, ‘damn, the boy’s a savage’.
“You have to be able to nullify the wrestling [of Makhachev] and actually have good boxing, which Ilia has.”