Islam Makhachev sparks debate after comparing Ilia Topuria’s power to prime Conor McGregor in UFC talks lightweight | International Sports News
Islam Makhachev did not hold back when talking about Ilia Topuria. The UFC welterweight champion openly compared Topuria’s skills to a prime Conor McGregor, a name that still carries fear and fame across the fight world. Ilia Topuria has quickly become one of the biggest stars in the UFC. His rise shocked fans and fighters alike. Earlier this year, he made history by becoming a two-division champion. He knocked out former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in brutal fashion. That win pushed him into the spotlight and made him a major pay-per-view draw.Because of his confidence, sharp talk, and fearless style, many fans already compare Topuria to McGregor. Islam Makhachev was recently asked to share his thoughts on that comparison. His answer stood out and gave fans plenty to talk about. Speaking in an interview with Ushatayka, Makhachev gave credit to both fighters but made a clear technical distinction.“I think when it comes to pure power, maybe Topuria has more. But as a counter-puncher, I think McGregor was better. His timing, how he waited… The way he met his opponents with his left hand, making them miss and countering. I think that was on another level.”Those words quickly spread across the MMA world.
Islam Makhachev explains why Conor McGregor and Ilia Topuria feel similar but fight differently
Ilia Topuria and Conor McGregor share many traits outside the cage. Both are confident. Both talk big before fights. Both know how to control the spotlight. Fans have also pointed out Topuria’s tattoos, fashion choices, and body language, which remind many of McGregor’s early UFC days.Inside the cage, the similarities continue. Both prefer striking. Both chase knockouts. Neither likes to leave fights to judges’ decisions. Their goal is to finish fights and entertain fans.However, Islam Makhachev believes their styles are not the same at the highest level. He feels Topuria hits harder, but McGregor had better timing and precision during his prime years.Makhachev knows McGregor’s strengths very well. He watched McGregor closely during his famous fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229. That night ended with Nurmagomedov dominating McGregor using wrestling and ground control before securing a submission. The bout also ended in chaos, with a post-fight brawl involving both teams.Even today, that rivalry still lingers. McGregor has publicly bet against Makhachev in the past, keeping the tension alive.Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev is looking ahead. It has been just five weeks since he defeated Jack Della Maddalena to become the UFC welterweight champion. He says he will not return in January and expects his next fight after Ramadan.“I definitely won’t fight in January. I think it will be after Ramadan for sure. They didn’t tell me the name, but honestly, I think it was Michael Morales,” Makhachev said.He also shared that talks are ongoing with the UFC and nothing is final yet.Also Read: When Is Conor McGregor’s Next Fight? June 2026 Return Talk Grows With Michael Chandler In Focus
