Islam Makhachev believes there are tougher challenges waiting at welterweight than a move up by Ilia Topuria.
Topuria, the current UFC lightweight champion with a 17 and 0 record, has publicly shown interest in fighting Makhachev at 170 pounds. Makhachev holds a 28 and 1 record and recently added the welterweight title to his resume.
Speaking in a translated interview with Ushatayka, Makhachev compared Topuria to unbeaten contender Michael Morales, who stands at 19 and 0 in his career.
Morales’ power stands out
Morales is coming off a first round TKO victory over Sean Brady at UFC 322. On the same card, Makhachev dominated Jack Della Maddalena to secure the welterweight title.
Makhachev made it clear that he sees Morales as a serious threat because of his striking.
“I think Morales is way more dangerous as a puncher,” Makhachev said. “He puts people to sleep with damn near every shot he lands. If you stand there and take shots, every one of them is dangerous.”
The champion pointed directly to Morales’ knockout ability as a major factor at 170 pounds.
Doubts about Topuria at 170
While Topuria has found success at 155 pounds, Makhachev does not believe that danger carries over the same way at welterweight.
“But I don’t see Topuria being as dangerous at 170 as he is at 155 because the size is different, different weight, different height,” Makhachev said. “It will be much easier for welterweights to fight Topuria. I don’t see any danger from Topuria if he comes up to 170.”
Makhachev’s point centers on physical differences. He believes that the extra size and strength at welterweight could reduce the impact of Topuria’s power and style.
Still open to the matchup
Even with his concerns about the matchup, Makhachev is not against facing Topuria if the UFC makes the offer.
“I’m all for this fight,” Makhachev said of Topuria. “It would be a big show – the fans would be interested. In terms of media, this would be a massive fight.”
For now, Makhachev has several contenders in line at welterweight, including the unbeaten Morales. Whether Topuria decides to move up remains to be seen, but the champion has already made his opinion clear about who he views as the bigger threat at 170 pounds.
