“He’ll be Michael Jordan”- Jorge Masvidal backs Ilia Topuria to beat Islam Makhachev and become face of MMA

Ilia Topuria is already seen by many fans and fighters as a rare talent in the UFC. His rise across weight divisions has been fast and dominant. With knockout wins over elite champions, Topuria has built a reputation as a fearless finisher. Now, talk around his legacy has reached a new level. A possible fight with Islam Makhachev has sparked debate across the MMA world.

Former UFC welterweight star Jorge Masvidal believes that one win could change everything. According to him, if Topuria defeats Makhachev at welterweight, the sport would have a new standard of greatness. Masvidal feels such an achievement would place Topuria above all past legends. In his view, it would redefine what true dominance in MMA looks like.

Jorge Masvidal believes beating Islam Makhachev would redefine Ilia Topuria’s greatness

Speaking on the Death Row MMA podcast, Jorge Masvidal hailed Ilia Topuria. He explained that moving up to 170 pounds and defeating Islam Makhachev would be the hardest task of Topuria’s career. Masvidal pointed out that no fighter has ever won UFC titles in three weight divisions. Because of that, he said this challenge would be historic.

Masvidal added that if Topuria managed to pull it off, there would be no argument left. In his opinion, Topuria would stand alone at the top of MMA history. He compared such a moment to Michael Jordan’s status in basketball. Masvidal said fighters like Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre would no longer be fair comparisons. He believes Topuria would deserve his own category of greatness.

He also explained why Topuria’s achievements already stand out. Masvidal said many double champions did not always fight the true best in their divisions. Some won belts against interim champions or during weak periods. He stressed that Topuria’s path has been different. He highlighted wins over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway while both were still in their prime. He also praised Topuria’s victory over Charles Oliveira, calling the run almost unreal.

Meanwhile, Topuria has spoken honestly about Islam Makhachev moving up to welterweight. When Makhachev left lightweight to face Jack Della Maddalena, some accused him of avoiding Topuria. Topuria dismissed that idea. He said Makhachev was chasing his own goals. He added that if both become champions, they could still meet. According to Topuria, the door is not closed on that super fight.





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