Ilia Topuria’s recent statements have stirred up a hornet’s nest in Dagestan. Fresh off his impressive knockout victory over Max Holloway at UFC 308, the newly crowned featherweight champion has set his sights on an even bigger target – Islam Makhachev. While predicting victories is nothing new, claiming to submit a Dagestani champion is a bit of a stretch.
Javier Mendez, the veteran coach behind both Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, didn’t mince words in his response. With the dry humor characteristic of Khabib’s camp, Mendez extended what might be the most daunting invitation in MMA.
“You come into Dagestan and you submit everybody there then we can talk. But if you’re doing it at home, you’re not doing it with the beasts out of Abdulmanap’s gym, then I don’t know,” said Mendez via Red Corner MMA.
The invitation carries extra weight, considering Dagestan’s reputation as a wrestling powerhouse. This is the same place where children practically learn double-leg takedowns before walking, so the level of competition is vastly different from anywhere else in the world.
The situation becomes even more intriguing when you consider Topuria’s head coach’s assertion that his fighter submits to everyone in their gym. While that’s impressive, Mendez points out the obvious difference – none of those training partners were forged in the legendary camp of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. It’s like saying you’re the best basketball player in your neighborhood and challenging LeBron James to a game.
Alexander Volkanovski Remains Doubtful Whether Ilia Topuria Can Submit Islam Makhachev
Alexander Volkanovski, who knows both Topuria and Makhachev‘s capabilities firsthand, recently shared his candid thoughts about a potential super fight. He was fresh off witnessing Topuria’s stunning victory over Max Holloway at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, and he didn’t mince words about the potential super fight.
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Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Volkanovski painted a realistic picture of how this hypothetical matchup might unfold. With the wisdom of someone who’s felt both men’s power, he flat-out dismissed the possibility of Topuria submitting Makhachev.
“A submission [against Islam Makhachev?], I can’t see that happening. Can he knock Islam out? Absolutely, yes, of course.”
However, Volkanovski isn’t completely closing the door on Topuria’s chances. He believes ‘El Matador’ packs enough dynamite in his hands to turn anyone’s lights off, including the seemingly invincible Islam Makhachev. It’s worth noting that Topuria’s recent knockout of Holloway – a man famous for his iron chin – adds serious weight to this assessment.
Also Read: Islam Makhachev Intensifies Verbal Showdown With Ilia Topuria As Rivalry Heats Up
