UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has weighed in on a potential superfight between Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry, and his prediction might surprise some fans. The undefeated Spanish-Georgian fighter believes the Irish contender possesses the skills and experience to hand Makhachev a knockout loss.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Topuria explained his reasoning. He emphasized that in the unpredictable world of mixed martial arts, every fighter enters the cage with a chance to win. Topuria specifically highlighted Garry's extensive experience gained during his time competing in the UFC, noting that this background gives him a significant advantage against any opponent.
Topuria also pointed to a critical piece of evidence supporting his case. He reminded fans that Islam Makhachev has already suffered a knockout defeat in his career. This historical precedent, according to Topuria, makes it entirely plausible for such an outcome to occur again, especially against a skilled striker like Garry.
The reigning 155-pound champion knows a thing or two about finishing fights. Topuria boasts an impressive professional record of 17 victories with zero defeats. Remarkably, only two of those wins came by way of judges' decision, showcasing his finishing ability and dominance inside the octagon.
Topuria's own journey in professional MMA began in April 2015. He made his debut in the North American UFC league in October 2020, quickly establishing himself as a force in the lightweight division. His rapid ascent to championship status underscores his deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level of the sport.
The potential matchup between Makhachev and Garry remains a topic of speculation among fans and analysts. Makhachev currently reigns as the UFC welterweight champion, while Garry continues to climb the rankings in his division. A cross-divisional bout would undoubtedly generate massive interest from the global MMA community.
Topuria's endorsement of Garry's knockout potential adds another layer of intrigue to this hypothetical clash. His perspective as an active champion who studies his peers closely carries significant weight in the conversation surrounding elite-level matchups in the UFC.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.