Ilia Topuria has officially transferred to the lightweight division, making his fans reach for news on Ilia Topuria’s next fight. His ambulation saw a cascade of speculation across the MMA mania, and many minds were wandering about the name of his next opponent.
He is presumably best matched with Charles Oliviera, but then again, Charles Oliviera seems to be occupied fighting Michael Chandler.
While the match of Topuria vs. Makhachev seems to be the hot topic around, another name in line may be waiting for him in the octagon.
Ilia Topuria’s Move to Lightweight
Many speculations followed Ilia Topuria in his move up from the featherweight division to lightweight. The Georgian-Spanish fighter has won all his previous fights, greatly demonstrating immense boxing skills, heavy-handed grappling, and knockout ability.
With UFC being rake-heavy in respect of challenges in his new venture, Topuria faces the headache of fresh challenges with larger-than-life opponents.
The fans are now wondering; does Topuria go straight into a title fight against Islam Makhachev or require the need to prove himself amongst another top-ranked lightweight contender first?
The Rumored Fight: Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev
One of the biggest rumors causing contention in the MMA world has been the possible fight between Ilia Topuria and reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
There are also strong opinions that Topuria could be a serious threat to Makhachev in the divisional landscape. His extremely aggressive striking, when coupled with solid grappling skills, is just a mouth-watering matchup for the champion.”
Yet, not everyone is fully convinced Topuria deserves an immediate title shot: “In an interview with Henry Cejudo on YouTube, UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov contended that Ilia Topuria must prove himself by defeating a top contender in the lightweight division before getting a shot at Makhachev.”
This remark has fueled speculation regarding another possible fight for Topuria before being given a shot at the championship.
The Possible Fight: Ilia Topuria vs. Dustin Poirier
Dustin Poirier is looking for a retirement fight and has told the UFC he wants a big-name opponent for his last bout. Since Poirier is in the lightweight division and Ilia Topuria just moved up, this fight is making a lot of sense.
It will be an epic match between two of the best boxers in the UFC, both recognized for their heavy hands and elite-level precision.
Should the UFC book this fight, it would become one of the biggest fights in a long while. Poirier would be a big test of experience and endurance for Topuria, while Topuria’s youth and aggressive style pose a real threat to Poirier.
Why This Fight Makes Sense
- Poirier’s retirement fight: Dustin Poirier has had an illustrious career, and fighting an up-and-comer such as Ilia Topuria would make a perfect send-off.
- Topuria’s proving grounds: Beating an illustrious veteran such as Poirier would firmly establish Topuria as a massive contender in the lightweight division.
- High-octane striking: Both fighters are specialist boxers, making it a dream matchup for fans who love watching all-striking bouts.
What If Ilia Topuria Beats Dustin Poirier?
If Ilia Topuria is somehow victorious against Dustin Poirier, the chances of an engagement with Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title will inevitably improve. The UFC and Dana White would have a valid reason to give Topuria a title shot should he defeat someone such as Poirier.
A super fight
This sets up a major fight and will certainly rank as one of the most awaited clashes in UFC history.
On the other hand, should Poirier win, he would retire on a glorious note, once more shedding light on why he is a longtime star of this division.
Fighting Styles: How Does Topuria Match Up Against Poirier?
Known for aggressive striking, Ilia Topuria shows great boxing skills, with power punching and a well-rounded ground game that deserves even greater praise among all. Makings of a show-stopping knockout artist by way of strikes, Topuria posted quite a few ground victories.
In contrast, Dustin Poirier, a veteran fighter full of tricks, is a skilled boxer, is an effective counterstrike, and possesses some underrated offensive and defensive grappling. His takedown defense at the expense of eating huge shots and rallying back to do some serious damage in later rounds makes the truly dangerous opponent.
If ever the two men battle, both men will likely stand and trade at a high pace looking to land the cleaner, heavier shots. The fight could go either way: either Poirier will take control and make experience tell the most, or Topuria will combine youth and explosiveness for a KO.
Is Ilia Topuria Ready for Islam Makhachev?
While a match with Dustin Poirier would be an excellent stepping stone, many still wonder whether or not Ilia Topuria is actually ready to face Islam Makhachev. Makhachev has been running the lightweight division with wrestling superiority, submission skills, and relentless pressure.
For Topuria to have a chance against Makhachev, he first has to show that he can deal with an elite lightweight fighter like Poirier. If he passes that test, his next stop could be to win himself a belt.
Conclusion
As for now, who Ilia Topuria will fight next has not been confirmed. However, probable options could be:
- A fight with Dustin Poirier that can serve as a title eliminator.
- An immediate title bout against Islam Makhachev should UFC decide to thrust him straight into the fight.
In either case, Ilia Topuria’s next fight is sure to steal headlines and be one of the biggest talking points of the event in UFC. Whether it is against Poirier first or he immediately gets a title shot, fans will be very much looking forward to his entry into the lightweight division.
What remains indisputable is that Topuria’s travels in the lightweight division are just getting underway and that it promises to be a wild ride for MMA fans across the globe.