Despite the big jump in Welterweight, the talk of Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev is still buzzing. And now talking about them, Islam Mokaev believes a potential clash between Makhachev and Topuria could reach new heights if both fighters secure titles in separate divisions. He envisions Islam moving up to claim the welterweight belt while Ilia captures the lightweight title, setting the stage for a blockbuster catchweight showdown.
According to Mokaev, such a scenario would eliminate the narrative that Islam defeated a smaller featherweight. Instead, it would spotlight two reigning champions meeting in a high-stakes super-fight. The buildup would be massive, drawing global attention and elevating both fighters’ legacies. It’s the kind of event that could headline a stadium and break records.
“If Islam beats Ilia, people will say he beat another featherweight. But if Islam wins the title at welterweight and Ilia beats Oliveira, that’s an even bigger fight to make. I’d rather see Islam become champion, Topuria become champion, and they can fight at catchweight for whatever they want. I think it’d be bigger,” he said.
This kind of champion-versus-champion clash has a proven track record of generating massive hype and raising the stakes. A prime example is when Conor McGregor faced Eddie Alvarez; both were champions in different divisions, and their showdown elevated the profile of both fighters and the sport itself. Similarly, a fight between Islam and Ilia, with titles already secured in their respective divisions, could create a historic moment in MMA.
Renato Moicano Backs Ilia Topuria As Future Lightweight Threat
Moicano views ‘El Matador’ as a serious threat to the lightweight division, praising his versatility and skill set. He believes Topuria has what it takes to challenge and possibly defeat the top names at 155 pounds, thanks to his ability to blend striking and grappling effectively. As the former featherweight champion continues to gain momentum, Moicano’s stance reflects growing anticipation around Topuria’s potential to succeed across divisions and disrupt the current order at lightweight.
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Indeed, if Ilia Topuria manages to defeat Charles Oliveira and claim the lightweight title, it would significantly elevate his status in the sport. Such a victory would solidify his place among the elite and make a future clash with Islam Makhachev not just exciting, but inevitable.
Also Read: Kamaru Usman Plays The ‘What If’ Game Teases Superfight With Islam Makhachev
