2025 could be the year of super-fights, and one of the most highly anticipated showdowns is Ilia Topuria’s relentless quest for Islam Makhachev’s lightweight belt. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing about the possibility of Topuria pulling off the unthinkable — a feat that even a UFC Hall of Famer believes could become reality. The soon-to-be-former 145lbs champ has already declared that his lightweight journey is destined to be legendary, unveiling his new nickname, ‘La Leyenda.’

While many are debating whether Topuria’s striking and ground game can withstand Makhachev’s world-class grappling, it’s important to consider Topuria’s impressive Greco-Roman wrestling background, which provides a solid foundation to find success on the mat. Adding even more intrigue to the potential matchup, MMA legend Rory MacDonald — renowned for his blood-soaked UFC 189 war with Robbie Lawler — has voiced his belief that Topuria not only has the durability to survive Makhachev’s grappling onslaught but also the power to deliver a knockout blow to the Dagestani juggernaut.

In an interview with Tim Welch, MacDonald said, “Probably Topuria. Probably a knockout! I think Topuria has a good enough grappling to handle himself and keep the fight where he would want. I didn’t know his grappling was as good as it was, until not too long ago. I always thought he was just a puncher, but he seems to be pretty well-rounded. I was always impressed with his ability to box the way he does in MMA”

The Georgian Spaniard’s prophecies have been fulfilled so far. So, MacDonald picking him to win this fight shouldn’t be a surprise. After slaying two legends in the form of Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway back-to-back, Topuria didn’t hesitate to send a bold message to Islam Makhachev, claiming he was ready to take him on in his own game! Although expecting to choke the Dagestani champion might be a little too much, it’s certain that he will not hesitate to push for it. 

The possibility of this fight is still on a pendulum swing as Makhachev stated that Topuria needs one win before he can become a legitimate challenger. While Topuria is receiving a lot of support from the fans, one of his former foes is also backing him to defeat the current lightweight champion. 

Alexander Volkanovski believes Ilia Topuria will edge Islam Makhachev in the potential super-fight

Former 145lbs god-king Alexander Volkanovski has shared the cage once with Ilia Topuria and twice with Islam Makhachev. After learning from both occasions, Volkanovski has provided an initial prediction that is going to appeal to the Georgian Spaniard’s fans. Ahead of his UFC 314 title bout, Volk thinks it’s just a question of whether Topuria can catch up to Makhachev.

The Aussie is also confident that the soon-to-be former featherweight champion is going to pack an even bigger punch in the lightweight division. He firmly believed, with that added power, Topuria could knock out anyone he faced there. During an interview with Demetrious Johnson, Volkanovski said, “It all comes down to can Ilia catch him? He knows he’ll eventually find the chin. He can knock out anyone in the lightweight division. I’m going with what I know—and I know Ilia can hit hard. I’ve felt it firsthand.”

Do you think that Ilia Topuria can knock out Islam Makhachev? Please comment your thoughts below!