Robert Whittaker: Ilia Topuria Can’t Dethrone Islam Makhachev in Lightweight
UFC middleweight contender Robert Whittaker, currently ranked fourth, doubts that Ilia Topuria, the reigning featherweight champion, can challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title.
Robert Whittaker: “Makhachev is too strong in lightweight”
The Australian fighter shared his opinion:
“There are too many unknowns in this matchup—I don’t know how Ilia would perform in lightweight. But hypothetically, if Makhachev moved down to featherweight, Topuria would beat him.”
He continued:
“Honestly, I don’t see any other scenario because Makhachev is incredibly strong and powerful in lightweight. His boxing and kickboxing are at the highest level. It’s been ages since anyone dropped him, so I doubt that’s even a factor.”
Achievements of Topuria and Makhachev
Ilia Topuria claimed the UFC featherweight title in February 2024 by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski in the second round. He successfully defended the belt in October, delivering a third-round KO against Max Holloway.
Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev has defended the UFC lightweight title three times and remains at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings. The Russian fighter is set to return to the octagon on January 18 at UFC 311 in Los Angeles, where he will face fellow countryman Arman Tsarukyan.
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