Ilia Topuria: Rising Star Or Makhachev's Next Victim? Cormier Offers Insight.

James

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Post on Jul 01, 2025

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Ilia Topuria: Rising Star or Makhachev's Next Victim? Cormier Offers Insight

The featherweight division is buzzing. Ilia Topuria, a name increasingly echoing through the UFC, is on a meteoric rise. But is this Georgian fighter a genuine title contender, or merely the next stepping stone for lightweight champion Islam Makhachev? Former UFC champion and renowned analyst Daniel Cormier weighs in, offering valuable insight into Topuria's potential and the looming matchup speculation.

Topuria's recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. His dominant victories, marked by a blend of precision striking and relentless grappling, have captivated fans and analysts alike. His last fight, a brutal knockout of Josh Emmett, solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with in the 145-pound weight class. But the question remains: can he translate this success against the elite fighters at the top of the division, and ultimately, against a potential opponent like Makhachev?

Topuria's Strengths: A Technical Masterclass

Topuria’s skillset is multifaceted and exceptionally well-rounded. He possesses:

• Exceptional striking: His precise boxing, combined with devastating kicks, makes him a dangerous striker at any range.
• High-level grappling: Topuria’s wrestling and submission skills are equally impressive, giving him a significant advantage in the clinch and on the ground.
• Unwavering confidence: His aggressive fighting style, fueled by unwavering confidence, often demoralizes his opponents.

These attributes have propelled him through the featherweight ranks, leaving many wondering if he's ready for a title shot. However, the jump to a championship fight, particularly against a dominant champion like Makhachev, presents a unique set of challenges.

The Makhachev Factor: A Mountain to Climb

Islam Makhachev, the current UFC lightweight champion, is a force of nature. His wrestling is arguably unmatched in the UFC, and his ground game is suffocating. A fight against Makhachev would represent a significant step up in competition for Topuria, demanding a flawless performance.

Cormier, in a recent interview, highlighted the potential difficulties Topuria might face: "Makhachev's wrestling is simply phenomenal. Topuria is a great fighter, no doubt, but taking down Makhachev and controlling him on the ground will be a herculean task." Cormier's assessment underscores the significant challenge Topuria faces if a fight against Makhachev materializes.

The Future: A Path to the Top?

While a fight against Makhachev remains speculative, Topuria's future is undeniably bright. Whether he becomes Makhachev's next victim or continues his ascension to the top of the featherweight division remains to be seen. His upcoming fights will be crucial in determining his readiness for a championship-level opponent. The next few months will be critical in watching his progression and observing how he adapts to the increasing pressure as he moves up the rankings.

Keywords: Ilia Topuria, Islam Makhachev, UFC, featherweight, lightweight, Daniel Cormier, MMA, mixed martial arts, fight, champion, knockout, grappling, striking, wrestling, title contender, rising star

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