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Team Khabib Question Ilia Topuria Passing Islam Makhachev in P4P Rankings

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Ameetosh Dash | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 9:04 AM ET

After brutally knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, Ilia Topuria officially became the new UFC lightweight champion. Heading into the fight, he was the betting favorite, but few expected a first-round finish against the dangerous former champion. With this win, Topuria dethroned Islam Makhachev in the men’s pound-for-pound rankings, though some fans still question the decision.

Topuria remains undefeated in the UFC, having knocked out legends like Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, and Max Holloway, fulfilling every bold prediction. His rapid rise and brutal finishes have transformed him into a global superstar similar to Conor McGregor. However, Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, insists these feats don’t compare to the Dagestani’s consistent dominance over elite competition.

Not taking anything away from Ilia and he’s one of the best talent we have seen in a long time. I just think Islam’s 15 fight winning streak in the UFC and him finishing his 9 of his last 10 fights makes him the number 1 Pound for Pound fighter.
Ali Abdelaziz via X

Makhachev is considered the pound-for-pound best due to dominant grappling, elite control, and wins over top-ranked UFC contenders. Unlike Topuria, Makhachev defeated both Volkanovski and Oliveira in their prime, proving his greatness against champions at their absolute peak. The fighter held the pound-for-pound best position for over 600 days, but following his title vacation, he has lost his leverage.

Not taking anything away from Ilia and he’s one of the best talent we have seen in a long time.

I just think Islam’s 15 fight winning streak in the UFC and him finishing his 9 of his last 10 fights makes him the number 1 Pound for Pound fighter
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) July 2, 2025

Following Topuria’s win, Makhachev took an indirect jibe at the Georgian-Spanish star, fueling talks of a potential future clash. The Dagestani is now focused on Jack Della Maddalena, aiming to claim the welterweight title and achieve his second belt. Just months ago, their rivalry peaked with both fighters exchanging sharp insults, igniting serious buzz in the MMA community.

Top lightweight contender believes Ilia Topuria cannot handle Islam Makhachev

Ilia Topuria originally planned to fight Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title, but that highly anticipated clash never materialized. After Makhachev moved up, fans and analysts accused him of ducking Topuria, avoiding what many called his toughest challenge yet. Now that Topuria has knocked out Charles Oliveira, speculation about a Makhachev showdown is once again circulating widely across the internet.

Top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan recently sat down for an interview with renowned MMA journalist Ariel Helwani to discuss new developments. Tsarukyan was octagon-side at UFC 317 and even made weight as a backup, ready for a potential last-minute replacement opportunity.

During the interview, Helwani asked Tsarukyan to predict a winner between Makhachev and Topuria in a hypothetical showdown. The Armenian fighter picked his former rival to defeat the new champion if they ever fight each other.

Islam Makhachev [would have beaten Topuria] by TKO. That’s a different level of fighter. You can’t compare Ilia vs. Islam. Islam not champion anymore but if he gets the second title he’s gonna be pound-for-pound number one.
Arman Tsarukyan via The Ariel Helwani Show

"Islam Makhochev [would have beaten Ilia Topuria] by TKO. That's a different level of fighter. You can't you can't compare Ilia vs. Islam." – @ArmanUFC pic.twitter.com/OlG3DN2pRc
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 2, 2025

According to reports, Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena is likely to happen later this year, possibly at Madison Square Garden. Heading into the bout, Makhachev is the betting favorite, though the Australian rising star still possesses a gritty fighting style capable of upset. If Makhachev secures a second belt, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him reclaim the number one pound-for-pound ranking again.

After that, Makhachev also hinted at settling his long-standing beef with Topuria in a potential super fight. The newly crowned lightweight champion has also expressed his desire to move up to the 170 lbs division and destroy Makhachev.

However, as of now, the UFC seems uninterested in pursuing this idea. Instead, the promotion is more focused on their individual title fights, with Topuria defending at lightweight and Makhachev chasing the welterweight gold.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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