Only Islam Makhachev Seen as Threat to Ilia Topuria’s Reign
Ilia Topuria has built quite a reputation inside the UFC cage. Seventeen fighters have stepped in to test him, and seventeen times he’s walked away with his hand raised. No one has solved the puzzle yet, and his undefeated run has left fans wondering who, if anyone, could be the one to finally stop him. According to longtime UFC commentator Jon Anik, the answer might come from another dominant champion—Islam Makhachev.
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Anik recently shared his view that Makhachev is not only a serious contender, but perhaps the only fighter capable of challenging Topuria across two divisions. That’s a bold statement considering Topuria’s dominance, but it highlights just how respected Makhachev’s skill set is. From his smothering grappling to his striking improvements over the years, Islam has shown he can control even the most dangerous opponents. Anik suggested that if anyone was going to hand Topuria his first loss, it would be Makhachev.
The potential matchup becomes even more intriguing because of where both men stand in their careers. Topuria has proven himself at featherweight and lightweight, while Makhachev has already secured titles at lightweight and has his eyes on welterweight gold. This creates a rare scenario where two champions, both in their primes, could meet in a super fight that spans weight classes. Anik described it as a dream matchup, the kind of fight that could define an era.
The conversation picked up even more weight when Khabib Nurmagomedov weighed in. Khabib, who has been a mentor and close friend to Makhachev, explained that Topuria had done everything asked of him to earn such a fight. According to Nurmagomedov, the path for Topuria was simple—defeat established names like Dustin Poirier or Charles Oliveira, and a clash with Makhachev would make sense. With those hurdles cleared, Topuria now waits to see what Makhachev does after his welterweight pursuits.
Dana White has hinted that talks are already underway to bring this blockbuster matchup to reality. For fans, this is the kind of fight that doesn’t just sell tickets—it captures imaginations. On one side, an undefeated warrior in Topuria who seems untouchable. On the other, a Dagestani powerhouse in Makhachev, molded by Khabib’s legacy and determined to carve his own.
If the fight does get finalized, it won’t just be another bout on the calendar. It would be a collision of two champions, each with the aura of invincibility, meeting at the peak of their dominance. For Jon Anik and many others, Islam Makhachev might be the only man who can stop Ilia Topuria. Whether that prediction proves true is something fans worldwide would be eager to witness inside the Octagon.
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