“He won’t even touch my legs—because the moment he does, he’ll be begging me to send him back to Russia,”. These were the exact words of Ilia Topuria for Islam Makhachev while speaking on Spain’s El Hormiguero show. Since making his move to the new division, ‘El Matador’ has gone on to make some huge claims about beating the Dagestani champion. Has he taken things a bit too far with his extravagant claims for the Dagestani fighter? W#4 ranked bantamweight fighter Cory Sandhagen doesn’t quite think so.

Makhachev has now made his move to the welterweight division, and the fight is now a distant dream. In the meantime, the former featherweight champion is preparing himself for his title fight against Charles Oliveira. Despite the announcement of the fight, Topuria is still keeping his verbal war alive with the 33-year-old fighter. Can he really dominate a fighter like Islam Makhachev just like the way he is claiming? Sandhagen definitely thinks he can. Over Dogs Podcast took to their Instagram channel to share a clip of the conversation. While speaking on the show, Sandhagen showed nothing but praise for the 28-year-old fighter.

He said, ” I honestly think Ilia would win that fight. I’m gonna actually go against I think what most people say. And I honestly think Ilia would win that fight. I think his like stature is gonna be hard to take down for Islam. And I think if those two are standing, I just think that Ilia’s a way, way dangerous guy standing, and I just can’t really see Islam like hurting him. Because his guard is real good and I think Ilia will win that one.” Despite moving to a new division, the threat of facing Topuria is still lurking for the soon-to-be lightweight champion. Topuria has also shown his interest in making a move to the welterweight division, but first, he needs to focus on the challenge ahead.

Renato Moicano took on the Dagestani fighter on a day’s notice at the UFC 311 main event. While many thought he could be successful in claiming the title. Moicano couldn’t even get past the first round after he was submitted. However, the Brazilian fighter is hoping to see a future clash between Topuria and Makhachev. ‘Money Moicano’ believes it will be a fight of margins and will definitely turn out to be a treat for the fans. But who is he rooting for in the clash? Let us find out about it below.

Renato Moicano feels Ilia Topuria will be the ‘real deal’ for Islam Makhachev

Ilia Topuria has already made his mark in the featherweight division with an unblemished record and dominant performances. Now, he sets his sights on even bigger glory, aiming to climb the mountain in the lightweight division. When asked about Topuria’s rise and brash confidence, former title challenger Renato Moicano didn’t shy away from giving credit where it’s due. According to Moicano, “El Matador” isn’t just hype—he sees Topuria as a legitimate threat, even to Makhachev. With his well-rounded skill set, composure under pressure, and unwavering self-belief, Topuria may soon find himself in the mix for UFC supremacy at 155 pounds.

While speaking on the Ariel Helwani show, Moicano said, “I would like to watch Islam and Topuria, and I think right now, Ilia Topuria would beat Islam Makhachev. So that shows, Topuria is, I think, he’s the real deal. And I think with his grappling, and like the way he moves his head and his boxing, I think he would impose a lot of trouble on Islam Makhachev. But now it’s just speculation. We’re not gonna see that fight anytime soon, let’s see what Charles and Topuria are gonna do.” Looking at the record of ‘El Matador’, there’s no doubt that he is one of the most dangerous fighters the sport has ever seen. However, one just cannot rule out a fighter like Islam Makhachev, who has defended his title four times in the division.

Who do you think comes out on top between the two if the fight ever happens? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.