A War for the Throne or an Impossible Dream?

The world of mixed martial arts thrives on chaos, uncertainty, and the constant rise of new challengers. While some fights are predictable, others come out of nowhere and capture the imagination of fight fans worldwide. One such potential showdown that has the MMA community buzzing is a clash between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria.

On the surface, these two fighters seem destined to walk separate paths—Makhachev, the dominant lightweight champion, and Topuria, the rising star at featherweight. However, as the UFC continues to seek blockbuster fights, the idea of these two warriors colliding suddenly doesn’t seem so far-fetched.

Could Topuria make the jump to lightweight and dethrone the seemingly unstoppable Makhachev? Or would the Russian’s suffocating wrestling be too much for the brash Georgian-Spanish contender? More importantly, is this a fight that could actually happen?

Let’s break down everything you need to know about this hypothetical war for the throne.

Islam Makhachev: The Reigning Lightweight King

The Khabib Successor?

Ever since Khabib Nurmagomedov retired, there has been only one man anointed as his successor: Islam Makhachev. Trained under Khabib and his late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Makhachev embodies the same relentless grappling and suffocating pressure that made his mentor an undefeated legend.

However, while Khabib’s dominance was universally accepted, Makhachev’s reign has been met with more skepticism.

Despite impressive wins over top-tier competition, critics argue that Makhachev has yet to face a true knockout artist—someone who can test his chin and challenge his striking defense. His most notable fights have come against well-rounded opponents, but none with the raw power and explosiveness of Ilia Topuria.

Can Makhachev Be Stopped?

The reality is that Makhachev’s wrestling makes him one of the most difficult fighters to beat. He doesn’t just take opponents down—he controls them, drains their energy, and forces them into a slow, grueling defeat. His striking has also improved significantly, making him a more complete fighter than ever before.

But here’s the question: What happens when Makhachev faces someone who refuses to back down?

That’s where Ilia Topuria comes into the conversation.

Ilia Topuria: The Featherweight Wrecking Machine

A Different Breed of Contender

Unlike many featherweights, Ilia Topuria fights with a unique blend of power, aggression, and technical prowess. While most fighters at 145 pounds rely on speed and movement, Topuria brings the kind of knockout power usually seen in heavier divisions.

From the moment he stepped into the UFC, he made a statement—he isn’t here to point-fight or play it safe. He’s here to destroy.

And destroy he has.

With multiple first-round finishes and a growing reputation as one of the most dangerous men in the division, Topuria has quickly become a fan favorite. His confidence borders on arrogance, but so far, he has backed up every word he has spoken.

Is Lightweight the Next Move?

The biggest question surrounding Topuria is whether he can continue making the featherweight limit. Given his size and power, a move to lightweight seems inevitable. And if he does make the jump, why not go straight for the biggest challenge possible?

Imagine this scenario: Topuria wins the featherweight title and immediately calls out Makhachev. A double-champion bid would not only cement his legacy but also provide the UFC with a blockbuster fight that could sell out any arena in the world.

It may sound crazy, but isn’t that exactly what makes MMA so exciting?

Breaking Down the Fight: Who Has the Edge?

If Makhachev and Topuria were to fight, how would their styles clash?

Makhachev’s Keys to Victory:

1. Wrestling Dominance – Makhachev’s biggest weapon is his ability to take fights to the ground and keep them there. Against Topuria, he would likely aim to neutralize the power advantage by forcing the fight into grappling exchanges.
2. Cardio and Endurance – Topuria has never been tested in deep waters against a relentless wrestler. If Makhachev drags him into the later rounds, the fight could become one-sided.
3. Experience in Big Fights – As a reigning champion, Makhachev has been in high-pressure situations before. He knows how to handle five-round wars and championship-level opposition.

Topuria’s Keys to Victory:

1. Explosive Knockout Power – The biggest question mark for Makhachev is whether he can withstand Topuria’s punching power. If Topuria lands clean early, it could be lights out.
2. Underrated Grappling – While primarily known for his striking, Topuria has a dangerous submission game. If Makhachev underestimates him on the ground, he could be in for a surprise.
3. Fearless Aggression – Unlike some of Makhachev’s past opponents who have been hesitant to engage, Topuria would likely come forward with no fear. That unpredictability could give him an advantage.

Could This Fight Actually Happen?

Why the UFC Would Love It

The UFC thrives on super fights, and a champion-vs-champion clash is always a massive draw. With both fighters having strong fan bases and undefeated records in the UFC, the marketing potential is through the roof.

Imagine the build-up:

• Makhachev, the dominant lightweight king trying to prove he is the greatest.
• Topuria, the fearless knockout artist looking to shock the world.

The fight sells itself.

The Biggest Roadblocks

Of course, there are obstacles to making this fight happen:

1. Weight Class Logistics – Topuria would need to either win the featherweight belt or prove himself at lightweight before challenging Makhachev.
2. Makhachev’s Future Opponents – The lightweight division is stacked, and Makhachev has no shortage of challengers.
3. Timing – Both fighters would need to be available at the right time, and injuries or other title defenses could delay the fight.

But if the UFC wants it, there’s always a way.

Final Verdict: Who Would Win?

Predicting this fight is nearly impossible because both men have the tools to win.

If Makhachev fights smart, he should be able to control Topuria with his superior grappling and experience. But if Topuria lands just one clean shot, we could witness one of the biggest upsets in MMA history.

One thing is certain—this fight would be explosive.

So the real question is: Will we ever get to see it?

Only time will tell.