Demetrious Johnson anticipates a challenging path for Ilia Topuria in the lightweight division.
Topuria, the current UFC featherweight champion, is planning to move up to the 155-pound weight class with the intention of challenging Islam Makhachev, the lightweight champion. Recently, Topuria claimed that UFC officials have promised him an immediate title opportunity. However, the promotion has not yet officially announced the next fights for either Topuria or Makhachev.
In a recent interview on Submission Radio, Johnson shared his perspective on the lightweight title landscape. He considered the possibility of Makhachev pursuing a second title in the welterweight division, depending on the outcome of the UFC 315 main event on May 10th between welterweight champion Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena.
“I would put Islam Makhachev`s lightweight title defense on hold and observe what transpires in the 170-pound division with the fight between Jack Della Maddalena and Belal Muhammad,” Johnson stated. “If Jack is successful against Belal Muhammad, I believe the UFC should grant Islam Makhachev the chance to become a double champion. Although Dana White has expressed reluctance to create double champions again, considering the state of the 155-pound division, Islam has largely cleared out the contenders and is awaiting a fresh challenge.”
“Potential matchups include Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, and the newcomer Ilia Topuria. Therefore, I would favor seeing Islam get the opportunity to compete for the 170-pound belt. If Belal Muhammad retains his title by defeating Jack Della Maddalena, then a rematch between Charles Oliveira and Islam could be arranged, with Arman Tsarukyan facing Ilia Topuria. Furthermore, established contenders like Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway, and rising stars like Paddy Pimblett are also in the mix.”
Makhachev was initially scheduled to defend his lightweight title against Tsarukyan at UFC 311 in January. However, Tsarukyan withdrew from the fight due to a back injury just before the event. Makhachev instead faced and defeated Renato Moicano, a late replacement, by first-round submission.
UFC CEO Dana White has indicated that Tsarukyan will likely need to earn another title shot. Johnson agrees with this assessment and believes it aligns perfectly with the idea of Topuria potentially needing to face a top lightweight contender before challenging Makhachev.
“There are numerous compelling fights to make in the 155-pound division. However, the most prominent development is Ilia Topuria`s move to lightweight, where he is now calling himself “The Legend.” I would like to see him tested in the lightweight division first,” Johnson commented. “While many believe he deserves an immediate title shot, I think a fight against Arman Tsarukyan would be ideal. That would be a fantastic matchup.”
“Arman Tsarukyan was in line for the title shot before his injury, leading the UFC to want him to prove himself at 155 pounds before granting him that opportunity again. This situation presents a perfect scenario: Arman Tsarukyan versus Ilia Topuria. Let them fight, and to keep Islam Makhachev active, he could face Charles Oliveira or another suitable contender for the championship.”
Topuria has gained notoriety for his knockout power. His victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, which earned him the featherweight title, marked the first time Volkanovski had ever been defeated in a featherweight bout. He followed this with a knockout of Max Holloway, becoming the only fighter to ever knock Holloway down with strikes.
“La Leyenda” has also frequently emphasized his grappling abilities. Johnson, who has trained with Makhachev’s team, was asked if Topuria could potentially out-grapple Makhachev if the fight went to the ground.
“We haven`t really seen Ilia fighting off his back or submitting opponents in the UFC, although I know he is a very good wrestler and has strong grappling skills,” Johnson acknowledged. “We haven’t often seen Ilia take opponents down and control them on the ground. He does pass guard, but his fights typically revolve around his knockout power, and I believe he will likely try to employ that strategy against Islam.”
“In contrast, Islam has consistently demonstrated his submission prowess against elite fighters, including Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belts who have themselves submitted numerous opponents in the division. Therefore, I don’t anticipate Ilia Topuria trying to engage in a grappling match with Islam Makhachev, but anything is possible. We will have to wait and see when they potentially face each other and what approach Ilia Topuria will take to try and defeat Islam Makhachev.”
