Ilia Topuria has unveiled a concise but potent approach aimed at disrupting Islam Makhachev’s UFC fight strategy, highlighting a key weakness in the Russian’s otherwise dominant grappling and striking blend. As Makhachev moves into the welterweight division following his swift victory over Renato Moicano at UFC 311, Topuria’s strategy gains relevance, especially with a potential showdown against Jack Della Maddalena looming.
Topuria’s Tactical Advice for Overcoming Makhachev’s Grappling Strength
Widely regarded as one of the most complete fighters in the UFC, Islam Makhachev combines precise striking with relentless freestyle wrestling to overwhelm many opponents. However, Ilia Topuria suggests that this balance can be unsettled with targeted straight body shots designed to interrupt Makhachev’s takedown attempts. He has communicated this tactic as essential for Jack Della Maddalena, who faces the Dagestani champion in the welterweight division.
In a recent interview on mainevent, Topuria explained his recommendation, stating,
“The advice, like, he has to work the straight body shots. Because that takes away the intentions of the takedown. If he works with the straight body shots, he’s going to stop his intentions of takedowns. And he’s doing a great job with his striking. I like how he fights.”
—Ilia Topuria, UFC Fighter
This approach is built on the premise that well-timed body strikes can sap the energy and timing of a wrestler’s shot, making it much harder for Makhachev to execute his trademark takedowns. The strategy could also serve Topuria himself well in his upcoming UFC 317 bout against Charles Oliveira, where forward pressure and striking will play significant roles.
Topuria’s Prediction and Reflection on Missing a Superfight with Makhachev
A potential fight between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev was once viewed as a highly anticipated clash, offering a contrasting matchup between Topuria’s knockout power and Makhachev’s wrestling mastery. Despite Topuria’s eagerness to face the Dagestani champion and his vocal push for the fight, the bout has yet to materialize. The Georgian-Spaniard has since adopted a less intense public stance regarding this superfight.
Topuria conveyed his current outlook in another segment of the mainevent interview:
“It doesn’t bother me if I never fight him. If the UFC wants it, I’m always gonna accept it. I never choose my opponents. I never say like against him, ‘yes, and with him no’. It’s like whoever is in front of me. I don’t care. Tell me when, where, and I’ll be there.”
—Ilia Topuria, UFC Fighter
Although not dismissing the possibility entirely, Topuria’s tone suggests he is prepared to focus on present challenges before pursuing such a confrontation, including his match with Oliveira. His willingness to fight Makhachev at welterweight demonstrates openness to a future bout, but the UFC’s matchmaking decisions will play a crucial role in whether that happens soon.
The Importance of Topuria’s Strategy in UFC’s Competitive Landscape
Islam Makhachev’s rise as a dominant lightweight champion has challenged many contenders with his elite wrestling and striking combination, making him a formidable obstacle in the division. Topuria’s identification of straight body shots as a tool to neutralize Makhachev’s takedown attempts reflects a deep understanding of fight dynamics and could influence how future opponents approach the fight.
If successfully implemented, this strategy may shift the balance in favor of strikers who can impose their rhythm while avoiding Makhachev’s relentless ground game. Topuria’s emphasis on this tactic shows the evolving nature of UFC competition where even dominant fighters like Makhachev can be vulnerable to specific, targeted approaches.
As Makhachev tests the welterweight division and pursues championship success against rising fighters such as Della Maddalena, Topuria’s insights offer a blueprint that could inspire others aiming to dethrone the Dagestani star. Whether Topuria himself can capitalize on this plan remains to be seen, particularly in his fight against Charles Oliveira, which will be a significant challenge.
Looking Ahead: Future Battles and Strategic Adjustments
The coming months will reveal how deeply Topuria’s strategy influences the tactics of fighters facing Makhachev. Jack Della Maddalena, equipped with this knowledge, enters their potential matchup with a clear game plan to disrupt Makhachev’s established rhythm. The intellectual chess between these competitors adds a compelling layer to what promises to be high-level UFC action.
Topuria’s pragmatic acceptance of his current situation also suggests a focus on adaptability and resilience — qualities that align well with the demanding UFC environment. Even if a superfight with Makhachev does not occur soon, Topuria’s continued development and tactical contributions to the division remain influential.
Islam Makhachev’s foray into welterweight will further test his ability to maintain dominance outside his familiar lightweight class, while challengers sharpen their strategies to capitalize on any openings. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if the “straight body shots” strategy disrupts Makhachev’s promising path to becoming a double champion, and what this means for the landscape of UFC’s upper weight divisions.