Ilia Topuria makes bold prediction after Islam Makhachev breaks record at UFC 311
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The UFC lightweight champion is running out of challengers after a dominant run, but the featherweight champion made a typically audacious claim to excite fans. Islam Makhachev was sent a warning by Ilia Topuria just moments after dispatching Renato Moicano in a hurry at UFC 311.
![[Makhachev reacts after defeating Renato Moicano]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/19/9/09/SEI236507533.jpeg)
The UFC’s reigning lightweight champion avoided a banana skin after the Brazilian stepped in at short notice after Arman Tsarukyan suffered a late injury. But in the immediate aftermath of the fight, UFC featherweight champion Topuria made a bold prediction with many calling for the champions to meet in the Octagon.
![[Ilia Topuria is keen to take on Islam Makhachev]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/10/26/22/newFile-3.jpg)
Makhachev was able to inflict a D’Arce choke submission to end the contest against Moicano after just one round, despite a scary moment which saw the Russian dropped. The 155-pound champion is also widely considered to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, with the electric Spaniard eager for a shot to stake his own claim to the ultimate UFC throne, with heavyweight champion Jon Jones’ future unclear.
“Islam, If I want to, I can finish you,” Topuria said with options few and far between for who can challenge Makhachev. “I can finish you if I want to, I can knock you out. I’ll make it look easy. See you soon.”. The Russian has retained his belt four times in a row to break a tie with three other legendary fighters, including his mentor and compatriot Khabib Nurmagomedov.
