Veteran MMA Coach Claims Ilia Topuria’s Size Could Pose A Threat To Islam Makhachev

Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev (Photo by Getty Images)

Veteran MMA Coach Claims Ilia Topuria’s Size Could Pose A Threat To Islam Makhachev

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated Apr 23, 2026 12:49 PM ET

Veteran MMA coach Firas Zahabi does not offer tactical observations casually. His take on the potential Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria fight matters. He has real experience. He spent years working with Georges St-Pierre at the highest level. That is why he knows how to solve these kinds of fights.

According to Firas Zahabi, shorter fighters are harder to take down. Their bodies are lower, and their balance is stronger. Subsequently, they need different moves and angles to bring them down. It’s not the same as fighting taller fighters. The Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski reference gives the theory its most relevant supporting evidence.

“It’s harder to take down shorter guy, than a tall fighter like JDM. Look, he had a harder time taking down Volkanovski. Topuira is much better wrestler. And he is short so he is hard to take down. I will still pick Makhachev it will be hardest match,” Zahabi said.

‍♂️ Coach Zahabi says that Islam Makhachev will struggle to take Ilia Topuria down because he's short:

"It's harder to take down shorter guy, than a tall fighter like JDM. Look, he had a harder time taking down Volkanovski."

@N3onOnYT pic.twitter.com/xzNodSxUs4
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) April 23, 2026

Zahabi has helped George St-Pierre with wrestling plans against different opponents. So his opinion comes from real experience, not just ideas. He has seen these problems up close inside the cage and knows what really happens in a fight.

Makhachev’s wrestling is elite. Topuria’s dimensions may make it considerably less reliable than it has been against the rest of his opposition. Meanwhile, Dana White dismissed Makhachev for blaming Topuria for the fight not happening.

Dana White Shuts Down Islam Makhachev’s Money Claim About Ilia Topuria

White isn’t letting that one slide. When the topic came up during his conversation with Adin Ross, White was direct. Makhachev’s claim that the Topuria fight fell apart because the lightweight champ asked for too much money? “Not true.” That’s the short version, and White didn’t dress it up.

Dana White calls 'not true' Islam saying that Ilia Topuria fight didn't happen because Ilia asked for too muc money.

pic.twitter.com/g0kwUgmywu
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) April 8, 2026

If the money story isn’t the real reason the fight didn’t get made, that raises the obvious question of what actually happened behind closed doors. Topuria has been one of the most exciting names in the sport over the last two years. A fight between him and Makhachev would generate genuine interest well beyond the hardcore fanbase.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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