In the world of MMA, all eyes are on the biggest matchups, especially when rising stars like Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria are on the horizon for a potential showdown. Recently, Alex Volkanovski – the UFC Featherweight champion – shared his thoughts on the upcoming battle between Topuria and Makhachev, and answered the burning question of whether Ilia could “catch up” to Islam.

The Rise of Ilia Topuria

Ilia Topuria, the rising star from Georgia, has been turning heads with his impressive fighting style that blends striking and grappling seamlessly. With an undefeated streak and an ever-growing list of dominant performances, Topuria has firmly established himself as a major threat in the featherweight division.

Alex Volkanovski, who recently faced Makhachev in a highly competitive bout at UFC 294, believes Topuria could be a major challenge for Makhachev. While Islam currently holds the UFC lightweight championship and is considered one of the most well-rounded fighters in the world, Volkanovski notes that Ilia brings a completely different skill set that could pose new problems for Makhachev.

Makhachev – A Great Champion, but Not Invincible

Islam Makhachev, trained by Khabib Nurmagomedov, has become a dominant force in MMA with his outstanding grappling and striking game. His control over opponents on the ground is legendary, and he’s remained almost untouchable in the lightweight division. But Volkanovski doesn’t think Ilia should be underestimated.

While Makhachev remains in top form, Volkanovski recognizes that there could be a new challenge in Topuria. The Georgian fighter is not only known for his well-rounded skill set, but also for his dynamic striking, which could trouble Makhachev in a stand-up battle. Ilia’s speed and power make him a dangerous opponent, and his ability to mix up his attacks could give Makhachev problems that he hasn’t faced before.

Topuria vs Makhachev: Who Will Prevail?

Volkanovski predicts that the fight between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev will be an epic showdown. If Ilia can keep the pressure on Makhachev and prevent him from dominating the fight with his wrestling, then there’s a real chance for the Georgian to come out on top. However, if Makhachev is able to control the fight on the ground and implement his grappling, it could be a tough night for Topuria.

The big question remains: Can Ilia “catch” Islam? Volkanovski believes that in the coming years, Ilia will have his chance to prove himself against the best, and possibly even take the belt from Makhachev. This opens up an exciting possibility for the lightweight division, as Makhachev will soon face new and talented contenders like Topuria.

Conclusion

Alex Volkanovski’s prediction about the Topuria vs Makhachev fight sheds light on what could be an incredible matchup for the UFC lightweight title. While Makhachev currently reigns as champion, Ilia Topuria is emerging as a legitimate threat, capable of shifting the landscape of the division. A superfight between these two fighters would not only showcase their immense skills, but also offer a fascinating strategic battle where each will need to overcome unique challenges posed by the other.

The question, “Can Ilia CATCH Islam?” is still unanswered, but one thing is for sure: MMA fans are in for an exciting future full of surprises.