Islam Makhachev Talks McGregor vs Topuria
The Technical Verdict: Power vs. Precision
For years, fans have drawn parallels between Topuria’s meteoric rise and McGregor’s 2015 "Mystic Mac" era. Both are two-division champions, both possess devastating knockout power, and both have mastered the art of psychological warfare. However, Makhachev believes the technical differences are stark.
"Pure Power" belongs to Topuria
Makhachev acknowledged that in terms of raw, concussive force, Ilia "El Matador" Topuria might actually hold the edge. Topuria’s 2025 run—including a brutal knockout of Charles Oliveira to secure the Lightweight title—has cemented him as perhaps the hardest-hitting 145/155-pounder in history.
"I think when it comes to pure power, maybe Topuria has more," Makhachev stated. "He sits on his punches; he doesn't need you to come to him to put you away."
The "Counter-Punching" King: Prime McGregor
Despite the long-standing blood feud between the Dagestani camp and the Irishman, Makhachev gave a surprisingly objective nod to McGregor's peak years.
Timing over Speed: Makhachev noted that McGregor’s ability to "pull and counter" was on a level Topuria hasn't quite reached.
The Left Hand: He specifically highlighted how McGregor met opponents with his left hand, making them miss by centimeters before delivering a finishing blow.
"As a counter-puncher, I think McGregor was better. His timing, how he waited... the way he met his opponents with his left hand was on another level," Makhachev admitted.
The Stats: How They Stack Up (Dec 2025)
| Fighter | Status | Accomplishments | Key 2025 Win |
| Ilia Topuria | Active (LW Champ) | 2-Division Champion (FW, LW) | KO vs. Charles Oliveira |
| Conor McGregor | Semi-Active | Former 2-Division Champion | N/A (Injury/Layoff) |
| Islam Makhachev | Active (WW Champ) | 2-Division Champion (LW, WW) | Sub vs. Jack Della Maddalena |
Why a Fight with Topuria Isn't on the Horizon
Despite Topuria’s vocal desire to "submit Islam in front of Khabib," Makhachev seems largely uninterested in moving back down to 155 lbs. Now the king of the 170-pound division, Makhachev has his sights set on a different legacy.
The Weight Cut Factor
Makhachev has been transparent about the physical toll of making lightweight. "I’m not young in this sport anymore," he said during the interview. "Every weight cut takes years off your health. Moving back to 155 isn't as easy as before."
The Next Challenge
While Topuria is "speed-running" the sport, Makhachev is looking at the welterweight elite. He revealed that while the UFC offered him a slot on the January 24 (UFC 324) card, he declined due to the short turnaround. Instead, he expects to return after Ramadan (Spring 2026), likely against:
Michael Morales: The rising contender many believe was the name in the UFC's January proposal.
Kamaru Usman: The legacy fight that Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, is reportedly pushing for.
The "McGregor Shadow" Still Looms
It wouldn't be a Makhachev interview without a mention of the man who started the rivalry. Even as McGregor fuels comeback rumors on social media—hinting at a "Triple Crown" run—Makhachev remains skeptical. He reiterated his belief that his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, "broke McGregor's mind" back in 2018, and that the version of Conor that could challenge for a belt is long gone.
However, the fact that Makhachev is even comparing Topuria to a "prime McGregor" shows a level of respect for Topuria's talent that the Dagestani camp rarely grants to outsiders.
Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Eras
Islam Makhachev’s comments bridge the gap between two eras of UFC superstardom. He views McGregor as a technical masterpiece of the past and Topuria as a powerhouse of the present. But as the reigning Welterweight Champion, Makhachev has positioned himself above the fray, daring the "Matador" to follow him up to 170 lbs if he truly wants to test his "pure power."
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