Ali Akbar RosadyUFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria has delivered a scathing assessment of what he described as Islam Makhachev’s "super boring" fighting style and a perceived lack of engagement from Jack Della Maddalena, comments that underscore his own entertainment-driven philosophy and his continued pursuit of a champion-versus-champion superfight. Topuria, known for his aggressive, knockout-centric approach, articulated his disappointment in an interview with Alvaro Colmenero, offering a candid critique that has reverberated across the mixed martial arts landscape.
Speaking on a performance that he referenced as a "title win" for Makhachev over Della Maddalena, Topuria stated, "Honestly, I was very disappointed in his performance. But more than his performance, the one that disappointed more was the performance of the former champion Jack Della Maddalena. Honestly, I saw him putting up zero resistance. He seemed completely unwilling to even be in the fight." While details of a specific UFC event designated "UFC 322" featuring a title bout between Makhachev and Della Maddalena for the welterweight championship are not currently reflected in the official UFC calendar or the historical record, Topuria’s remarks were unequivocally directed at the fighting styles and perceived efforts of both athletes. Islam Makhachev is the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, having defended his title multiple times, most recently against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in May 2024. Jack Della Maddalena is a top contender in the welterweight division.
Topuria, who earned the UFC Featherweight Championship with a stunning second-round knockout of long-reigning champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February 2024, elaborated on his critique of Makhachev’s approach. "In the end, Islam did his job — what he always does, fight super boring. He doesn’t care about the audience, which isn’t how I see or project myself in this sport because I always strive to entertain everyone, so that when people invest their time and resources to see me they are very happy with their investment." This statement encapsulates Topuria’s philosophy, positioning him as a fighter whose primary objective extends beyond victory to delivering a compelling spectacle for the fans.
Ilia Topuria, an undefeated phenom with a professional record of 15-0, has rapidly ascended the ranks of the UFC since his debut in October 2020. His "El Matador" moniker is well-earned, reflecting a relentless, aggressive style characterized by powerful striking and opportunistic grappling. Of his 15 victories, 13 have come by stoppage – eight by knockout and five by submission – demonstrating his versatile finishing abilities. His victory over Volkanovski, a fighter widely considered among the greatest featherweights of all time, solidified Topuria’s status as a legitimate superstar and a dominant force in the 145-pound division. His calls for a fight against Makhachev represent a significant challenge, signaling his ambition to potentially move up a weight class to the 155-pound division and pursue a second world title.
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Islam Makhachev, the protégé of legendary former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, holds an impressive professional record of 26-1. He captured the lightweight title at UFC 280 in October 2022 by submitting Charles Oliveira and has since defended it against a roster of elite contenders, including Volkanovski (twice) and Poirier. Makhachev’s fighting style is characterized by suffocating Dagestani wrestling, relentless pressure, and highly efficient striking. He boasts a significant takedown accuracy rate of 60% and averages 3.25 takedowns per 15 minutes, allowing him to control opponents on the canvas and neutralize their offensive output. While critics, including Topuria, may label his style as "boring," it is undeniably effective, contributing to his sustained dominance and his high ranking in the pound-for-pound discussions.
The prospect of a champion-versus-champion clash between Topuria and Makhachev has been a recurring topic of discussion among fans and media for over a year. Topuria has openly expressed his desire to test himself against the lightweight king, viewing it as the ultimate challenge and a path to cementing his legacy as a multi-divisional champion. Such superfights are rare in the UFC, often reserved for fighters who have established clear dominance in their respective divisions. Historically, events like Conor McGregor vs. Eddie Alvarez (lightweight vs. featherweight), Daniel Cormier vs. Stipe Miocic (heavyweight vs. light heavyweight), and Amanda Nunes vs. Cris Cyborg (bantamweight vs. featherweight) have captivated audiences, offering unique matchups that transcend typical divisional contests.
However, the path to a Topuria-Makhachev superfight is not without its obstacles. Topuria recently announced that he would be taking a brief break from competition, stating he would not fight in the first quarter of 2026 to focus on personal matters. This timeline would make April 2026 the earliest potential return for "El Matador." Furthermore, the lightweight division, where Makhachev reigns, has its own evolving landscape. The UFC recently announced a significant interim title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, scheduled to headline UFC 324 on January 24, 2025. The winner of this bout is expected to emerge as the next challenger for Makhachev’s undisputed lightweight title, potentially pushing any superfight plans with Topuria further down the calendar.
Despite these immediate logistical hurdles, Topuria remains optimistic about the eventual realization of the highly anticipated matchup. He envisions a competitive and decisive encounter, one that would showcase his finishing prowess against Makhachev’s grappling dominance. "Hopefully [me vs. Islam] happens," Topuria told Colmenero. "I think it would be a high-level fight that people would really enjoy. They would see a very desperate Islam trying to get a dominant position and catch his breath, and they would see me with a lot of spark to put him to sleep — which in the end, I would achieve.” This bold prediction underscores Topuria’s unwavering confidence in his ability to not only defeat Makhachev but to do so in spectacular fashion, validating his commitment to entertainment.
The strategic implications of such a fight are significant. For Topuria, moving up to lightweight would involve adjusting to a larger weight class and facing an opponent renowned for his physical strength and control. For Makhachev, facing Topuria, a fighter with 13 finishes in 15 fights and a reputation for explosive power, would present a different type of challenge than some of his previous grappling-heavy opponents. Topuria’s average striking output is 4.46 significant strikes landed per minute with an accuracy of 47%, coupled with an impressive 92% takedown defense, indicating his ability to keep fights standing and utilize his striking advantages. Makhachev, while prioritizing grappling, also possesses sharp striking, landing 2.45 significant strikes per minute at a 59% accuracy.
As the UFC navigates its future fight cards, the lightweight division’s interim title bout and Topuria’s return schedule will be key factors in determining when, or if, this compelling champion-versus-champion clash can materialize. Regardless of the timeline, Topuria’s outspoken criticism and his vision for a definitive victory over Makhachev continue to fuel the narrative, setting the stage for a potential superfight that promises both high stakes and contrasting fighting philosophies. The anticipation for a showdown between "El Matador" and the lightweight king remains a significant draw for mixed martial arts enthusiasts worldwide.
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