MMA legend makes technical analysis and chooses favorite between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev: 'It's difficult'

Ilia Topuria is the new lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

The idea of ​​a confrontation between Islam makhachev e Ilia Topuria continues to intrigue MMA fans and personalities around the world. After the Georgian/Spanish fighter surpassed the Russian in the pound-for-pound rankings and publicly stated that he believed the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) avoided him, it was time for Demetrious Johnson speculate as a duel between the two could unfold.

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In an interview with 'Submission Radio' last Wednesday (2), the former UFC flyweight champion (up to 56,7 kg.) spoke about the technical fit between the two athletes and said he believed that Makhachev would approach the fight differently than most of Topuria's former opponents.

“Islam is left-handed, so he’ll probably throw kicks to the body, keep his arms busy and keep his distance. Move, feint, maybe use a little bit of judo to take him down and try to take him down to the ground and try to finish him. I think it would be Islam (the winner), because I think Islam will approach it differently, it’s difficult,” said the former fighter, who has trained with the Russian on sporadic occasions.

Islam makhachev invites Demetrious Johnson to Dagestan ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cTW9IQcAUZ

— Best MMA Moments (@XcellentMMA) January 8, 2025

However, DJ urged caution as he stressed that it is still necessary to see how the Russian's transition to 77 kg will be and his title fight against Jack Della Maddalena, with no official date yet.

“But again, I need to see what Islam will do with (Jack Della Maddalena), but I know the one thing is that Ilia will always focus on getting to the right spot and fighting his opponents. When he gets there, he will unload. If Ilia can't get there, he will find a way to fix it,” he concluded.

Topuria and Makhachev are having a great time

Ilia Topuria e Islam makhachev are big names in the UFC. photo: SUPER FIGHTS Montage

In addition to occupying the top two positions in the Ultimate pound-for-pound rankings, Topuria and Makhachev are experiencing spectacular moments in their respective careers. Undefeated in 17 fights, the Georgian/Spanish fighter has just immortalized his name in MMA history by knocking out Charles of the Bronx and win the second belt in UFC 317.

Makhachev has only one setback as a professional, against Brazilian Adriano Martin in 2015. Since then, he has built a streak of 15 consecutive victories, the second longest in the company's history. In addition, the Russian also became the lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) with the most successful defenses of all time.