Former UFC BMF Champ Breaks Down Potential Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria Superfight

Former UFC 'BMF' champion Jorge Masvidal has shared his perspective on a highly anticipated potential superfight between lightweight king Islam Makhachev and featherweight titleholder Ilia Topuria.

Initial rumors circulated suggesting Topuria had agreed to vacate his featherweight championship and move up a division to face Makhachev. These reports indicated a planned bout on June 14 at the White House, which was later complicated by an alleged hand injury to Makhachev, prompting a rumored pivot to Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje.

However, UFC President Dana White subsequently clarified that a Makhachev vs. Topuria clash was never officially slated for the UFC Freedom 250 event. Currently, Ilia Topuria is reportedly set to fight two-time interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje on June 14. Islam Makhachev, still recovering from the aforementioned hand injury, has no confirmed return date for his next title defense.

Jorge Masvidal Analyzes Potential Makhachev vs. Topuria Matchup

During a discussion on his podcast, Jorge Masvidal delved into the hypothetical matchup between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. Masvidal acknowledged Topuria's "unbelievable power" and ability to "send anyone to the shadow realm" with his striking. However, he emphasized that if Makhachev secures a takedown, the fight could quickly turn in favor of the Dagestani champion.

"Gamebred" highlighted Makhachev's dominant performance in his UFC 322 welterweight debut, where he controlled Jack Della Maddalena for five rounds, dethroning the Australian with apparent ease. Masvidal suggested that while both Topuria and Della Maddalena are exceptional strikers, Makhachev's wrestling prowess operates on a fundamentally different and superior level.

Masvidal elaborated on his view, stating: "I could see Islam taking Ilia down and making his day very, very long, or Ilia getting in there, using his hands and catching him, because in my book, Ilia is maybe two notches faster than Makhachev, and his power is unreal, incomparable. But Makhachev on the ground doesn’t get tired, can submit you from anywhere, and is just so damn good at getting to your legs and making you work. Jack’s striking is second to none, and Islam played with him."