Demetrious Johnson anticipates a challenging path for Ilia Topuria as he moves to the lightweight division.
Topuria, the current UFC featherweight champion, plans to move up to the 155-pound weight class with the intention of competing for the lightweight title against Islam Makhachev. Topuria has stated that UFC officials have promised him an immediate title opportunity, but the promotion has not officially announced plans for either Topuria or Makhachev`s next fight.
In a Submission Radio interview, Johnson discussed his views on the lightweight title landscape. He mentioned that Makhachev might consider pursuing a second title in the welterweight division, especially depending on the outcome of the UFC 315 main event on May 10th between welterweight champion Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena.
Johnson stated, “I would hold off on Islam Makhachev`s lightweight title defense and observe the 170-pound fight between Jack Della Maddalena and Belal Muhammad. If Jack defeats Belal Muhammad, I think the UFC should give Islam Makhachev the chance to become a double champion. Although Dana White has expressed reluctance to do this again, the lightweight division is somewhat cleared out for Islam, who is waiting for a new top contender.”
He continued, “Potential opponents for Makhachev include Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, and the newcomer Ilia Topuria. Personally, I`d like to see Islam get a shot at the 170-pound belt. If Belal Muhammad wins against Jack Della Maddalena, then a rematch between Charles and Islam, and a fight between Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria would be logical next steps. Also, fighters like Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway, and even Paddy Pimblett are in the mix.”
Makhachev was originally scheduled to defend his lightweight title against Tsarukyan at UFC 311 in January. However, Tsarukyan withdrew due to a back injury just before the event. Makhachev then successfully defended his title against Renato Moicano, winning by first-round submission.
UFC CEO Dana White has indicated that Tsarukyan may need to earn another title shot, a sentiment Johnson agrees with. Johnson believes this situation aligns well with Topuria potentially needing to prove himself against a lightweight contender before facing Makhachev for the title.
Johnson elaborated, “There are numerous exciting matchups possible in the 155-pound division. However, the most talked-about scenario is Ilia Topuria`s move to lightweight, where he`s calling himself `The Legend.` I believe it would be wise to test him at 155 pounds first. While many believe he deserves an immediate title shot, why not match him up against Arman Tsarukyan? That would be a fantastic fight.”
He added, “Arman Tsarukyan was next in line for a title shot before his injury, so the UFC wants to see him compete again at 155 to solidify his claim. Therefore, a fight between Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria makes perfect sense. This would allow the UFC to keep Islam Makhachev active, possibly with a fight against Charles Oliveira or another suitable contender for the championship.”
Topuria is renowned for his knockout power. His victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, where he won the featherweight title, marked the first time Volkanovski had been defeated in the 145-pound division. He followed that up by knocking out Max Holloway, becoming the only fighter to ever finish Holloway with strikes.
Known as “La Leyenda,” Topuria also emphasizes his grappling abilities. Johnson, who has trained with Makhachev`s team, was asked if Topuria could potentially out-grapple Makhachev.
Johnson responded, “We haven`t seen much of Ilia`s submission game or his ability to fight off his back. However, he is known to be a strong wrestler with solid grappling skills. We haven`t often seen Ilia take opponents down and control them on the ground, though he is capable of guard passing. His primary approach in fights is to knock opponents out, and I anticipate that will be his strategy against Islam.”
Johnson concluded, “Islam has consistently demonstrated his exceptional submission skills against top-level Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belts who have also submitted other fighters in the division. Therefore, I don`t believe grappling will be Ilia Topuria`s main path to victory against Islam Makhachev, but we can`t rule anything out. We`ll have to wait and see when and how these two match up and what strategy Ilia Topuria will employ to try and defeat Islam Makhachev.”
