- Islam Makhachev compared Conor McGregor and Ilia Topuria, praising McGregor’s counter-punching and timing.
- Makhachev said Topuria might have more pure offensive power but McGregor’s counter striking was “on another level.”
- Topuria seized the lightweight title after Makhachev moved to 170lbs; McGregor is eyeing a 2026 comeback.
- Makhachev’s full comments are available in his interview on Ushatayka (YouTube embed included below).
Why this fantasy fight matters
Islam Makhachev, the former UFC lightweight champion who recently moved up to welterweight, offered a clear breakdown of a hypothetical clash between Conor McGregor and Ilia Topuria. The matchup intrigues fans because both fighters are elite strikers with contrasting styles: McGregor as a timing-based counter-puncher and Topuria as a heavy, forward-moving offensive fighter.
Topuria’s power vs McGregor’s timing
Makhachev told Ushatayka that if the debate centers on “pure offensive power,” Ilia Topuria might hold the edge. The Spanish-based Georgian has finished notable opponents and showed consistent, heavy striking that pressured previous lightweight contenders.
“But as a counter puncher, McGregor was better,” Makhachev said. “His timing, the way he waited and set things up… I’m a southpaw myself, and he’s a southpaw too. The way he would catch opponents with the left hand while making them miss. That was on another level.”
Those comments underline a key matchup dynamic: Topuria’s aggression could invite McGregor’s precision counters. Makhachev highlighted how timing and set-ups can neutralize raw power — a nod to McGregor’s most feared attributes in his prime.
Context: titles and timelines
Makhachev relinquished the lightweight belt earlier this year after announcing a move up to 170lbs. Ilia Topuria capitalized on that vacancy by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to become lightweight champion. Both athletes remain high-profile figures in MMA, and talk of potential superfights persists.
Conor McGregor has publicly stated he aims to return to the UFC in 2026, targeting a major event for his comeback. Any bout between McGregor and Topuria would depend on McGregor’s successful return and the champions’ respective plans.
Embedded interview
Watch Makhachev’s full comments here: https://youtu.be/KCQNqM2K_ZQ?si=bEGZMUyrdp-ehjvL
What’s next for the fighters?
Topuria recently announced a brief hiatus but left open the possibility of returning to challenge Makhachev at welterweight in the future. He also stirred headlines by sending a provocative message to Makhachev’s camp that referenced Khabib Nurmagomedov, keeping the rivalry narrative alive.
McGregor’s path back into title contention hinges on a successful 2026 return. Makhachev’s assessment gives fans a realistic lens: Topuria carries more raw offensive force, but McGregor’s timing and counter-striking — when at his peak — could make the fight competitive and stylistically compelling.
For now, it remains a fantasy matchup. But with Topuria’s championship run and McGregor’s planned comeback, the conversation is likely to continue into next year.
Image Referance: https://bloodyelbow.com/2025/12/27/islam-makhachev-breaks-down-fantasy-fight-between-conor-mcgregor-and-ilia-topuria-as-he-provides-rare-praise/
