Dustin Poirier believes Ilia Topuria has the skills to beat Islam Makhachev – but maybe not the size.
UFC featherweight champion Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) is eager to move up a weight class and challenge lightweight champ Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC). Makhachev is not interested in defending his title against another 145 pounder, but Topuria’s dominance has many thinking he has a solid shot – including Poirier.
Poirier’s most recent fight came in a fifth-round submission loss to Makhachev at UFC 302, and he thinks Topuria might not have the size to deal with Makhachev’s grappling.
“He definitely does have a shot,” Poirier told Sports Illustrated of Topuria vs. Makhachev (via Home of Fight). “I think from ’45 to 170, Topuria has the power and the skills to knock anybody out. His timing, his rhythm, his power is incredible, but the size difference is with Islam’s wrestling.
“I’ve never seen Topuria in person. Obviously I fought Islam; he’s a big guy. Islam can’t make ’45. I know they say Topuria might walk around 190 (pounds) outside of fights and stuff, but I just think Islam is just too much, but I don’t know. Like I said, if Ilia does connect, he can put anybody out.”
Topuria became the first man to knock out Max Holloway at UFC 308. Prior to that, he knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to become featherweight champion at UFC 298.
Meanwhile, Makhachev continued his reign over the 155-pound division when he quickly submitted Renato Moicano at UFC 311, breaking the record for most title defenses in divisional history at four.
Related
Paddy Pimblett: Ilia Topuria ‘not that big of a star’ to challenge Islam Makhachev
Henry Cejudo: Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria could be bigger than Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall
Alexander Volkanovski: Ilia Topuria wouldn’t submit Islam Makhachev, but he can knock him out
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Dustin Poirier torn on Ilia Topuria’s chances in potential Islam Makhachev superfight
