Islam Makhachev's coach points to only fighter capable of beating Ilia Topuria in UFC lightweight

Ilia Topuria is a former UFC featherweight champion. Photo: Instagram / UFC

In the main fight UFC 317, held last Saturday (28), Ilia Topuria removed all doubts about whether his success at featherweight (up to 65,7 kg) would translate to lightweight (up to 70,2 kg). The Spaniard knocked out Charles of the Bronx in a brutal way in the first round and raised a new question among fans and experts: who can stop him?

See too

Magomed Ankalaev once again accuses Poatan and Prochazka of avoiding a fight and surprises by suggesting a new challenger

Alexandre Pantoja mentions return date and reaffirms focus on next opponent after victory at UFC 317

Alexandre Pantoja comments on the possibility of facing Merab Dvalishvili in a UFC superfight

Javier Mendez, coach of Islam makhachev, has an answer. In an interview with 'Submission Radio', the coach highlighted that Arman Tsarukyan would be the toughest opponent for Ilia Topuria in the lightweight division, due to his strong grappling game. According to Mendez, the Armenian would not exchange blows standing up, but would take the fight to the ground with constant pressure, which would test the Spaniard's ability to deal with this style.

"Arman Tsarukyan “That would be the thing that would cause him the most problems, because Arman is not going to stand up with him. Arman is going to turn the fight into a grappling war. Can Ilia survive the constant ground attack that Arman is going to impose? That would be the test. Look what he did to Charles. Charles went for a takedown, and he just reversed it in the air,” said Javier Mendez.

Ilia Topuria won the lightweight belt after resignation of Islam makhachev
the duel between Ilia Topuria e Charles of the Bronx for the lightweight belt (up to 70,2 kg) was announced shortly after Islam makhachev, former champion of the category, to give up the title to fight for the welterweight belt (up to 77 kg). The decision, announced by Dana White, paves the way for the Russian to face Jack Della Maddalena, current belt holder in that division.

Challenger spot race heats up after Topuria win

Despite being scheduled as a reserve for the fight and representing a real threat to the reign of Ilia Topuria, Arman Tsarukyan faces stiff competition in the race to be the next challenger to the belt.

Justin gaethje, who has already contested the title on two occasions, continues his campaign to win the chance to face the Spanish champion. In addition to him, the British star Paddy Pimblett also dreams of facing Topuria. In fact, he was invited by the champion himself to face off right after his victory in UFC 317.

The rivalry between Ilia Topuria e Paddy Pimblett is not recent. It began in 2022, when the two were still competing in different weight classes. At the time, the fighters had a disagreement in a hotel in London and almost came to blows. Now, with Topuria at the top of the lightweight division, expectations are growing that they will finally face each other in the octagon.