Former Topuria and Makhachev rival backs UFC champions clash, predicts outcome

Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev are UFC champions. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage

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Alexander Volkanovski is convinced that Ilia Topuria is the ideal opponent for Islam Makhachev 's next fight . With recent news that the Russian's team had refused to face the Spaniard for the lightweight title (up to 70,3kg), the Australian, who has faced both, gave his opinion on the situation.

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Appearing on the Believe You Me podcast, Volkanovski stated that if Topuria tried to keep both belts, it wouldn't work. However, since he relinquished the featherweight title and the lightweight division doesn't have a clear challenger, Volkanovski considers it fair that his tormentor has the chance to fight for the belt.

“Look at it this way, if he was trying to keep both belts, I don’t think that would have happened. The fact that he relinquished it and the lightweight division is in a position where, I don’t know, there’s no clear No. 1 contender, I think that’s fair. The fact that he vacated the title, I think that’s fair,” Volkanovski said.

Volkanovski believes Ilia Topuria has the power to knock out Makhachev

Regarding the potential matchup, Volkanovski avoided naming a clear favorite, but said that the only way to beat Makhachev would be by knockout. However, the veteran believes that Ilia Topuria has the necessary power to achieve this feat.

“I’ve fought both of them. Islam is a tough guy to beat, for anyone. I think the only way he can lose is if someone knocks him out. And if anyone can do that, it’s Ilia. Ilia obviously has dangerous hands, so for people who are writing him off, remember that he has power in his fists and he’s going to look for it. He’s calm, and even if things aren’t going well, he’s going to keep looking for the knockout until he gets it or until he loses,” Volkanovski said.

Ilia Topuria remains undefeated in his career and, despite having defended the featherweight title only once, decided to move up to lightweight in pursuit of double champion status in the UFC. However, the current title holder, Islam Makhachev , doesn't seem interested in the fight.

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