Alexander Volkanovski, a former featherweight champ, has some big thoughts on how Ilia Topuria might take on lightweight king Islam Makhachev. On March 17, 2025, he spilled his take on the Believe You Me Podcast, saying Makhachev’s tough to beat unless someone lands a monster punch. Volkanovski knows Topuria well after losing his belt to him, and he’s betting those dangerous hands could shake up the UFC lightweight division. This dream fight is heating up, and Volkanovski’s stirring things up.
Makhachev’s Tough Wall
Volkanovski sees Makhachev as a brick house.
“Islam is gonna be a hard man to beat,” Volkanovski said on the Believe You Me Podcast. “For anyone, I think the only chance of him losing is someone knocking him out. Someone landing something…”
He’s watched Makhachev go 26 and 1, with a 14-fight win streak, smashing guys like Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier. Volkanovski thinks a knockout’s the only crack in that armor, and not many can pull it off.
Topuria’s Punch Power
Volkanovski’s got faith in Topuria’s fists.
“I think everyone has a puncher’s chance. I think that’s only where I see him really losing, someone catching him. And if anyone could do it, it is Ilia,” he added. “Ilia’s obviously got some dangerous hands,” Volkanovski said of his former foe. “He is gonna be looking for [the knockout]. He is composed and even if things aren’t going his way, he’s gonna keep looking for it. Keep trying to find it until he does or until he loses.”
Topuria’s knocked out seven guys, including Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February 2024, so those hands pack heat.
Early Danger Zone
Volkanovski says Topuria’s a threat right away.
“He’s dangerous,” Volkanovski added. “Maybe if the gas tank goes, we will see when he starts the later rounds with someone like Islam. But early on, the first three rounds, he’s gonna be dangerous,” he continued of Topuria. “You don’t wanna be getting caught by any of those punches. So if anyone could catch him, I think Ilia’s right up there for a chance.”
He’s warning Makhachev to watch out early, before Topuria might slow down.
Islam Makhachev, 33, from Russia, rules lightweight with a title win over Oliveira in 2022 and defenses against Volkanovski and Poirier.
Ilia Topuria, 28, from Georgia, grabbed the featherweight belt from Volkanovski and is 15 and 0, now eyeing a jump to 155 pounds.
Topuria’s talking about moving up after leaving featherweight open. Makhachev’s the guy to beat, and Volkanovski’s take matters since he’s fought both. No fight’s set, but this chatter’s lighting up 2025.
