Ilia Topuria is not just talking about beating Islam Makhachev. He is talking about taking down one of the best grapplers in MMA, submitting him, and using that kind of win to strengthen his claim as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport.
In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Topuria gave a very direct answer when he was asked how a fight with Makhachev would play out.
“When I get the opportunity to fight with someone, I always used to think about what can I do to really shock the world.
“So with Islam, to shock the world, I have to submit him.
“So this is what I think that’s going to happen. I’m going to take him down and I’m going to submit him.”
And when the interviewer reacted to how unusual that prediction sounded, Topuria doubled down again.
“I know that inside yourself maybe it sounds a little bit weird, like strange, like listen, how you’re going to take him down, how you’re going to submit him. But don’t be surprised when you are going to see that happen.”
Here’s the full interview clip:
Ilia Topuria is confident a submission over Islam Makhachev is inevitable:
“When I get the opportunity to fight someone, I always think about what I can do to really shock the world.
So with Islam, I’m like, to shock the world, I have to submit him. That’s what I think is going… pic.twitter.com/NBftdo3igx
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 20, 2026
Topuria says everyone is good, but he is different
That confidence is not coming out of thin air. Topuria became UFC featherweight champion by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski, defended that belt against Max Holloway, then moved up and knocked out Charles Oliveira to win the lightweight title. Before any Makhachev talk can turn real, though, he still has business in front of him. Topuria is scheduled to defend his lightweight belt against Justin Gaethje at UFC White House, a fight that could reshape the entire title picture depending on what happens next. Topuria’s current lightweight path is already tied to bigger fights and bigger statements.
Topuria also explained why he is so comfortable making a prediction like this.
“He’s good. Everyone is good. Justin is good, Alex is good, Charles is good, Max is good, everyone is good, but I’m different.”
The conversation also turned to all-time standing and pound-for-pound status. Topuria did not crown himself the GOAT.
“I don’t like to claim myself as the GOAT of the sport. I always like to leave those decisions to the fans. They are the people that have the ones that take that decision.”
But when he was asked if he believes he is the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, his answer was much more direct.
“Of course. It’s not that I think. I know so.”
That is why the Makhachev matchup still hangs over everything around Topuria.
