Daniel Cormier On Ilia Topuria: Rising Star Or Makhachev's Next Victim?

James

3 min read

Post on Jul 01, 2025

4.6

Share

Daniel Cormier on Ilia Topuria: Rising Star or Makhachev's Next Victim?

Ilia Topuria. The name is buzzing throughout the MMA world. This Georgian-Spanish fighter is rapidly ascending the featherweight ranks, leaving a trail of impressive victories in his wake. But is he a genuine contender for the title, or is he simply the next stepping stone for lightweight champion Islam Makhachev? Former UFC double champion Daniel Cormier recently weighed in on this hotly debated topic, and his perspective is fascinating.

Cormier, known for his insightful commentary and deep understanding of the sport, sees Topuria as a significant threat, but acknowledges the formidable challenge posed by Makhachev. The question isn't whether Topuria can compete at the highest level – Cormier believes he absolutely can – but rather, when he'll be ready to face a fighter of Makhachev's caliber.

Topuria's Meteoric Rise:

Topuria's recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. His striking is crisp and powerful, his grappling is deceptively effective, and his overall game is well-rounded and constantly evolving. He's displayed an impressive ability to adapt his strategy mid-fight, showcasing a tactical acumen beyond his years. His victories over the likes of Bryce Mitchell and Josh Emmett further solidify his place as a top contender.

• Unstoppable Striking: Topuria's striking is a significant weapon, utilizing a blend of power and precision. His calculated aggression keeps opponents guessing, leading to devastating combinations.
• Improved Grappling: While primarily known for his striking, Topuria's grappling has steadily improved, becoming another vital aspect of his overall game. This well-rounded approach makes him a difficult matchup for anyone.
• Mental Fortitude: Beyond his technical skills, Topuria displays an unwavering mental toughness, consistently performing under pressure. This resilience is crucial for success at the highest level of MMA competition.

The Makhachev Factor:

Islam Makhachev is currently one of the UFC's most dominant champions. His wrestling is arguably unmatched in the lightweight division, and his ground game is suffocating. Facing Makhachev is a daunting task for any fighter, regardless of their skillset. Cormier highlights Makhachev's relentless pressure and suffocating control as key factors that could pose significant problems for Topuria.

Cormier's Verdict:

While Cormier is impressed by Topuria's potential and rapid rise, he believes a fight against Makhachev is premature. He suggests Topuria needs further seasoning at the featherweight level before considering a jump to lightweight and a clash with the champion. "Topuria is a star, no doubt," Cormier stated on his podcast. "But Makhachev is on a different level right now. Ilia needs a few more dominant wins at featherweight to prove he's ready for that kind of challenge."

The Future is Bright (But Uncertain):

The path ahead for Ilia Topuria is filled with both opportunity and uncertainty. He undoubtedly has the talent to become a champion, but the timing of a potential Makhachev matchup remains a crucial question. Further dominant performances at featherweight will solidify his claim as a legitimate title contender and potentially pave the way for a future superfight against Makhachev. For now, the MMA world watches with bated breath, eager to see how this rising star continues his remarkable journey. Will he become the next lightweight champion, or will he fall short against the seemingly insurmountable challenge of Islam Makhachev? Only time will tell.

Keywords: Ilia Topuria, Islam Makhachev, Daniel Cormier, UFC, MMA, Featherweight, Lightweight, Mixed Martial Arts, Rising Star, Champion, Fight, Prediction, Analysis

Related Articles: (Links to hypothetical articles on your website about Topuria, Makhachev, and other relevant UFC news)