Ilia Topuria is widely recognized in the MMA community as one of the sport’s most exceptional talents, and many experts believe his status could reach historic levels if he defeats Islam Makhachev. This fight, expected to take place soon, has the potential to catapult Topuria to legendary heights within the UFC and the broader MMA world.
Jorge Masvidal, a former top contender in the welterweight division, expressed on the Death Row MMA podcast that a victory over Makhachev would make Topuria the unparalleled face of mixed martial arts, comparable to Michael Jordan’s iconic place in basketball.
“No one has ever won three belts. Even as it stands right now, it’s a very uphill battle for Ilia to go up to 170 [pounds] and beat Makhachev. So if he does, you can’t argue that he is the Michael Jordan of it [MMA]. He is above everybody. Jon Jones, GSP [Georges St-Pierre]. You will have to put him in his own category of greatness.”
Masvidal also highlighted why Topuria’s potential to hold multiple championship titles would set him apart from other fighters who have achieved similar feats.
“There are a lot of guys who are two-time UFC champions, and they fought both times [the interim champions], and they truly didn’t fight the best guy in the division. There is a big difference in that. When you’re fighting [Alexander] Volkanovski in his prime, and you end him, and you fight Max Holloway in his prime and end him, and you go up, and the guy waiting for you at the other side with the belt is Charles Oliveira, and you end him. It’s like, damn, who is this mythological figure?”
Topuria Addresses Makhachev’s Move to Welterweight and Its Motivation
Islam Makhachev’s recent decision to move up to the welterweight division and face Jack Della Maddalena drew significant attention, as many speculated he left lightweight to avoid facing Ilia Topuria. However, Topuria dismissed the idea that fear was a factor and instead suggested that Makhachev’s move was driven by his personal ambitions.
In a 2025 media interaction, Topuria responded to questions about whether Makhachev’s division change was an attempt to escape a matchup with him, stating:
“[He moved up] because he has his own goals. That’s what I think… If he wins the title, and I win the title at lightweight division, maybe I move up, or he comes down.”
The Broader Context of Topuria’s Potential Legacy in MMA
If Ilia Topuria can claim victory over Islam Makhachev, it would mark a defining moment in his career and the UFC’s history. Such a win would not only showcase his ability to conquer multiple weight classes but also solidify his position among the all-time greats alongside Georges St-Pierre, Jon Jones, and other champions.
Topuria’s capability to defeat elite fighters like Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira demonstrates his exceptional skills and versatility. By overcoming Makhachev at welterweight, Topuria could rewrite the sport’s record books and redefine greatness in MMA.
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