Demetrious Johnson is looking at the toughest paths for Ilia Topuria.
UFC featherweight champion Topuria plans to challenge lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, and will soon travel to 155 pounds. Recently, Topuria claimed that officials had promised him an immediate title shot, but nothing was announced by Topuria or Makhachev’s promotion for the next match.
In an interview with Submitted radioJohnson shared his opinion on how the 155-pound title photo can sway with Makhachev. There was also the option to chase his own second title, depending on the May 10th UFC 315 main event between Makhachev’s friend and training partner, welterweight champion Beral Muhammad and how Jack Della Madalena went.
“I was putting the Islamic Mahachev on the ice and seeing what would happen in this 170-pound division with Jacques Della Madarena vs Beral Muhammad,” Johnson said. “If Jack can pass Beral Muhammad, I think it would give Islamic Makhachev a chance to become a double champion. Dana White says he doesn’t want to do this again, but looking at the 155 pound division, Islam has pretty much cleared it and he’s waiting for a new candidate.
“You’re in the fight against Charles Oliveira, Ahman Tsarkian. You also have rookie Ilia Topria. So I hope Islam has the opportunity to fight for that 170 pound belt. Dustin Poirier, Max Holloway is there now, you have paddy pinblet.”
Makhachev was to defend his title against the emperor at UFC 311 this January, but the emperor escaped from the contest with a back injury a day before the night of the fight. Instead, Makhachev continued to defeat the short-term alternative, Renato Moicano, with his first round submission.
UFC CEO Dana White said it is likely that Tsarukyan will have to get a shot again. This makes sense for Johnson, who thinks Topuria may have to face a lightweight competitor first before booking a match against Makhachev.
“There are so many fights that can be done in the 155-pound division, but I think the biggest thing on the radar right now is that Ilia Topuria is coming to 155 and changing his name to “The Legend.” “I know a lot of people think he should take a title shot right away, but why don’t you think he has him and Ahman Zarkian? Do that. It’s going to be a great fight.
“Arman Tsarukyan was the next person to get a title shot, but he was injured so the UFC said he wanted to prove at 155 before he got that title shot. This is the perfect example. Championship.”
Topuria became famous for his knockout power. When he finished Alexander Volkanovsky at UFC 298 to win the featherweight title, he became the first fighter to defeat Volkanovsky in a 145-pound match. He followed with a knockout of Max Holloway, becoming the only fighter to defeat Holloway on a strike.
“La Leyenda” often promotes his grappling skills, and Johnson, who trained with Makhachev’s team, was asked if Topria could overtake Makhachev on the mat.
“We don’t really see Ilia from his back or submit people, but we know he’s a really good wrestler. “We don’t see Ilia putting people on his back and overtaking security guards. I mean, he overtaking security guards, but he tends to fight him by knocking people out.
“Now that Islam has proven to submit this time and time again, we can submit the best black belt of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that submitted other people in the department. So I don’t think it’s the route that Ilia Topria goes when he fights Islamic Makhachev, but you never know. Makhachev.”