When featherweight champion Ilia Topuria decided to vacate the championship and move up to the lightweight division, a matchup against lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev became a possibility.
A fight between the two would pit the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world against the No. 4 ranked pound-for-pound fighter. It will put Makhachev’s 27-1 record against Topuria’s flawless 16-0 resume.
Former featherweight champion Aljamain Sterling believes it’s ‘it’s very possible’ that Topuria could defeat Makhachev. “It would be madness, but it’s very possible,” Sterling said on his YouTube channel.
“I will say, the speed advantage, Ilia Topuria. Boxing speed, boxing punches, Ilia Topuria. Calf kicks, which is a very dangerous weapon, I think Ilia Topuria uses those way better than Islam Makhachev. I don’t think Makhachev really throws kicks, like calf kicks, or leg kicks,” Sterling continued.
“Wrestling, control and submissions, I’m going to lean towards Islam Makhachev. Fight IQ, that’s hard. Both guys are really, really good. I think they’re neck and neck. It’s hard for me to pick. I’ve seen both guys make adjustments in fights. Strength, I’m going towards Islam. Cardio, Islam cuts so much weight that he gets tired in the later rounds.”
“It’s a very interesting fight. Hopefully it gets made,” Sterling added. “I don’t have a prediction for this one. I think it’s going to be a great fight. That’s my prediction.”
