Ilia Topuria, the featherweight terror who’s never tasted defeat, chucks his shiny belt in the trash and storms into lightweight territory. Standing in his way? Islam Makhachev, the untouchable champ who rules the division like a lion on a hill. This isn’t a daydream, it’s a matchup that could light the fight world on fire. Enter Aljamain Sterling, the former titleholder with a front-row seat to the chaos, ready to spill his guts on what might go down. With Makhachev’s insane 27-1 record facing off against Topuria’s perfect 16-0 slate, Sterling’s hyped for a battle that could rewrite the rankings.
On his YouTube channel, Sterling got real about the possibilities.
“It would be madness, but it’s very possible,” he said, suggesting Topuria’s got a shot at stealing the show. He broke it down, starting with Topuria’s edge. “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 explained, hyping up Topuria’s fast hands and brutal kicks.
Who’s Got the Edge?
But Makhachev’s a tough nut to crack. Sterling gave him his flowers too.
“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,” he said, laying out why Makhachev could hold his own with killer grappling and raw power.
So, who comes out on top? Sterling’s playing it cool for now.
“It’s a very interesting fight. Hopefully it gets made,” he added. “I don’t have a prediction for this one. I think it’s going to be a great fight. That’s my prediction.”
One thing’s for sure, if these two step into the cage, it’s going to be a storm, and we’re all glued to the action.
