I’m gonna take him down and submit him

Ilia Topuria has detailed his approach for a potential clash with Islam Makhachev by laying out a strategy that centers on grappling.

The lightweight champion explained that when preparing for elite opponents, he looks for ways to produce a result that shifts expectations. In this case, he believes the most impactful outcome would come by submitting Makhachev, a fighter widely regarded for his dominance on the ground.

In a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, he said:

“When I get the opportunity to fight with someone, I always think about what I can do to really shock the world. So with Islam, to shock the world, I have to submit him. So this is what I think is going to happen. I’m going to take him down and I’m going to submit him.”

He added:

“I know that inside yourself maybe it sounds a little bit strange, like how you are going to take him down and submit him, but don’t be surprised when you see that happen. Everyone is good, Justin is good, Alex is good, Charles is good, Max is good, everyone is good, but I’m different. I don’t like to claim myself as the greatest. I leave that to the fans. Of course, I know I am number one pound for pound.”

Check out Ilia Topuria‘s comments below (17:20):

The matchup has been one of the ufc-white-house-fight-offer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-is-sponsored=”false”>most discussed potential fights in the sport, particularly during talks surrounding a proposed White House event. While the bout has yet to materialize, both fighters have continued to address it publicly.

Ilia Topuria questions timing of Islam Makhachev super fight

Ilia Topuria has cast doubt on whether a fight against Islam Makhachev is the right move at this stage, despite its global appeal.

While the matchup has been widely discussed, Topuria suggested the timing may not align from a broader business perspective. He pointed to the value both fighters bring to different markets and indicated that a clash at their peak could impact long-term promotional plans.

In an interview with Alvaro Colmenero (h/t MMA Pros Pick), Topuria said:

“I don’t know, honestly. I think if I were a promoter, if I prioritized the business, I don’t know if it’s a good idea to put the two of us against each other at our peak. I’ve just moved up a division, and he has too. We both have our fan base, so killing Islam in this case, you’re killing a Middle Eastern star. Then what’s left? It’s a bit complicated.”