Merab Dvalishvili reveals why Islam Makhachev cannot beat Ilia Topuria

Speaking on his Kick livestream before his RAF wrestling fight against Frankie Edgar, Dvalishvili argued that Topuria’s style creates a nightmare matchup for Makhachev.

“If Makhachev takes Ilia down, he won’t be able to hold Ilia down. That’s the thing,” ‘The Machine’ stated.

“Makhachev is a great fighter, I think he can beat everybody at 170, except Ilia, because styles make fights and Ilia’s style is the worst for Makhachev.”

That is a bold view because Makhachev’s grappling control has broken many elite opponents. Still, Dvalishvili sees Topuria’s base as the key difference.

‘El Matador’s’ grappling background could make him harder to pin than most strikers, while his knockout power gives him a clear danger zone on the feet.

There is another side to the debate. Makhachev is taller than Topuria, and that size could matter in clinches, scrambles and range management.

That physical gap is why the fight feels so intriguing. The Dagestani champion may have the frame and championship experience, but Topuria has tools that change the usual equation.