In the world of MMA, invincibility is a myth. Even the most dominant champions have cracks in their armor, subtle flaws waiting to be exposed. Islam Makhachev, the UFC’s lightweight king with a staggering 27-1 record, has looked untouchable since losing to Adriano Martins back in 2015. But there’s a new storm on the horizon.

Enter Ilia Topuria. Fast, ruthless, and undeniably explosive, the undefeated former featherweight champion isn’t just chasing gold, he’s hunting legacy. And if his rise has taught us anything, it’s that he thrives in chaos. So, could ‘La Leyenda’ be the one to dethrone Dagestan’s finest? Let’s break down the top three weaknesses in Makhachev’s game and how Topuria is uniquely built to exploit them!

 1. Vulnerable in close-range striking exchanges

On paper, Islam Makhachev’s numbers paint a polished striker, 58% striking accuracy and a stingy 1.55 significant strikes absorbed per minute. But stats don’t show everything, especially not his behavior under pressure.

Makhachev likes a high guard and relies on straight-line retreats when overwhelmed. It’s a solid, defensive shell. But when opponents close the distance with speed and volume, the Dagestani begins to backpedal. That’s where Ilia Topuria shines.

Topuria doesn’t just strike, he explodes. He’s a compact powerhouse with razor-sharp hooks and deadly combinations. Inside the pocket, he’s a firestorm. Makhachev’s biggest threat to date, Alexander Volkanovski, never got the chance to test the Dagestani champion here. But Topuria, who dismantled the Aussie with tight, inside boxing at UFC 298, might finally drag the champ into those dangerous waters.

And when the fists start flying, who blinks first? Makhachev’s past, specifically the 2015 KO loss to Adriano Martins, suggests he doesn’t enjoy getting clipped.

2.  Struggles to control fighters with a low center of gravity

Islam Makhachev is undoubtedly a monster on the mat. His takedown average of 3.20 and 53% accuracy don’t lie. Add in a suffocating top game and 90% takedown defense? He’s a nightmare for any man who steps into the cage against him.

But what happens when the opponent doesn’t stay put?

That’s where Ilia Topuria’s build gives him an edge. At 5’7” (compared to Islam’s 5’10”), he’s built like a coiled spring, low, dense, and explosive. Fighters with a similar frame, like Davi Ramos and Arman Tsarukyan, have made it hard for Makhachev to maintain control in the past. In fact, Topuria’s fights against Ryan Hall and Bryce Mitchell are perfect examples of his ability to neutralize the threat of elite grapplers.

Islam Makhachev may get the takedown, but can he hold Topuria there? That’s a different fight. If the Spanish-Georgian MMA star denies the champion’s early grappling entries, or escapes quickly from them, he could drag this bout into deeper rounds where momentum shifts.

3. Risk-averse approach when striking isn’t going his way

Islam Makhachev’s striking has improved, no doubt. His head-kick knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 silenced plenty of critics. But let’s not forget, when opponents push him into uncomfortable exchanges, he tends to retreat into safety.

Rather than trade, Makhachev prefers to circle, kick at range, and reset. It’s smart, but it’s also predictable. The one thing you don’t want to be against a striker with the vicious knockout power that ‘La Leyenda’ possesses. He forces engagement, pressures with combos, and never stops advancing. 

Against someone like Drew Dober, Makhachev dictated the range and tempo masterfully. But facing someone like Ilia Topuria? He may not get that luxury with the bombs being thrown at him from all angles!

To wrap things up, no fighter is perfect, not even Islam Makhachev. His numbers scream dominance: a 90% takedown defense, 61% strike defense, and unmatched composure. But Ilia Topuria brings a wild card. He’s not just fast and precise, he’s fearless. He has the frame to survive on the mat. He has the pressure to break the champion’s rhythm. And he has the hands to make him pay in close quarters.

Will Islam Makhachev’s experience and fight IQ prevail when these two juggernauts collide? Or will it be the moment ‘La Leyenda’ adds another crown to his collection? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!