Topuria Promises To Submit Islam In Front Of Khabib – ‘I Have To Do It’
Ilia Topuria has vowed to submit Islam Makhachev if they ever face off at lightweight.
Tuporia is the former UFC Featherweight Champion, a title he vacated after stopping Max Holloway at UFC 308 in his last fight. It was the first successful defense of his title, which he had acquired after knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. Topuria could have rematched Volkanovski or taken on the other contenders in the division, such as Diego Lopes, after criticism that he had only made one defence.
However, he has consistently been chasing a fight with Makhachev, which required him to move up another weight class. Dana White has not guaranteed that it will happen next, although Tuporia is confident since he made the decision to move up. A key question surrounding this fight is whether Topuria is big and strong enough to take on Islam. The latter is known for his supreme grappling, which he demonstrated in his last defense when he submitted Renato Moicano in the first round at UFC 311.
Topuria is known for his durability, stamina and the ability to let off his explosive combinations, something which he demonstrated against Holloway, giving Blessed the first stoppage loss of his career.
Topuria is talking himself up for this fight, stating that he believes he can submit to Islam in front of Khabib.
Topuria Reacts
Khabib was known for being one of the best grapplers in the sport. He is now passing on that knowledge to Islam, who is considered one of the best P4P fighters in the world. It would take an exceptional performance to beat Islam, let alone trying to do it via a submission. However, Ilia was confident that he would announce himself to the world and propel his career to stardom by beating Islam.
“You ask me, I feel that I have the advantage in everything. This is what I truly believe. Me, personally, I would ask him, ‘What’s your favorite submission?’ Whatever, I don’t know, D’Arce choke. I’m going to submit you with that. I take him close to Khabib. I will submit him closer to Khabib. Khabib used to take people on his shoulder, take them down, and talk to Dana. I will do it to Khabib. I will take [Makhachev] and then talk to Khabib. Khabib, I have to do it,” Ilia said
Islam’s Options
However, Justin Gaethje is also eyeing a title shot against Makhachev in June after his bounce-back win at UFC 313. Gaethje defeated Rafael Fiziev for the second time after Fiziev stepped in as a late replacement for Dan Hooker, who withdrew due to a hand injury. The victory was a much-needed response after Gaethje was knocked out by Max Holloway at UFC 300, losing his BMF title with just one second left in the fight. Justin arguably can justify getting the fight first since he has established himself as a lightweight, giving Ilia plenty to think about.
“I’m ready to fight, I’m ready to fight in June. I don’t know, I think Makhachev said he wants to fight in June. I’m hoping I get that call sooner rather than later so I can… I’m obviously working, but it’s been a crazy ride. I’m not at the beginning of the journey. It’s towards the end,” Gaethje said
Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingnews.com.
