UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev recently shared his perspective on how Conor McGregor’s striking compares to that of Ilia Topuria. According to Makhachev, McGregor’s counter-punching is on “another level” when compared to the rising lightweight contender.
Topuria, known for his knockout power and precision striking, has often drawn comparisons to a young McGregor. Despite that, Makhachev believes McGregor’s timing, fight IQ, and counter-striking mastery set him apart.
“I think when it comes to pure power, maybe Ilia Topuria has more,” Makhachev said in an interview with Ushatayka. “But as a counter-puncher, I think Conor McGregor was better. His timing, how he waited… the way he met his opponents with his left hand, making them miss and countering. I think that was on another level.”
The Edge in Counter-Striking
Makhachev emphasized that McGregor’s ability to read opponents, control distance, and land decisive counters defines his skill set. These elements, Makhachev says, elevate McGregor above other fighters, even highly skilled knockout artists like Topuria.
“His precision, his fight IQ, the way he creates openings – that’s the difference,” Makhachev added. “It’s about setting traps, making your opponent make mistakes, and capitalizing on them. That’s where Conor was on another level.”
Islam Makhachev compares Conor McGregor and Ilia Topuria in terms of skill 👀
“I think when it comes to pure power, maybe Topuria has more. But as a counter-puncher, I think McGregor was better.
His timing, how he waited… The way he met his opponents with his left hand,… pic.twitter.com/tgyzZu0Dtg
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 27, 2025
Comparing Topuria and McGregor
Topuria’s striking and knockout potential make him one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC lightweight division. Yet, Makhachev notes that McGregor’s strategic approach to countering, his timing, and ability to capitalize on small openings remains unmatched.
“Ilia is a beast in his own right, no doubt,” Makhachev said. “But the way Conor’s timing and countering worked, that was something special. Another level.”
Ilia Topuria has taken a break from fighting due to personal issues, while Conor McGregor is reportedly training for a potential White House comeback. Nothing has been officially announced, but this remains McGregor’s current plan.
