Jorge
Masvidal doesn’t think a matchup between Islam
Makhachev and Ilia
Topuria will be closely contested.
According to Masvidal, a matchup between Makhachev and Topuria will
be a lopsided affair — one way or another. Masvidal believes
Makhachev will either dominate Topuria on the ground or get knocked
out clean by “El Matador.” While Masvidal considers Topuria faster
than Makhachev, he believes that the Dagestani welterweight
champion is ruthless on the ground. Masvidal also highlights
Makhachev’s dominant welterweight title win over Jack
Della Maddalena at UFC 322,
which he saw in person. Makhachev ragdolled Maddalena, whom
“Gamebred” ranks among the best strikers in the sport with decent
wrestling defense.
‘It Could Go Both Ways’
“The way I see it, it’s non-competitive, but it could go both
ways,” Masvidal said on the ”Death Row MMA” podcast. “I could see Islam taking him
down and making his day very, very long at the office or Ilia
getting in there, using his hands and catching him, because Ilia in
my book is maybe two notches of speed above Makhachev, and the
power is unreal, it’s incomparable. But Makhachev on the ground
doesn’t get tired, can submit you from anywhere, and is just so
damn good at getting to your legs and making you work. Even if he
doesn’t take you down right in the beginning, he’s taxing the F out
of your gas tank… I still think Jack is like the cream of the crop.
His wrestling defense is not that bad, his striking is second to
none, [Islam] played with him.”
A matchup between Makhachev (28-1) and Topuria (17-0) is arguably
the most anticipated matchup by
UFC fans today. According to rumors, the matchup was originally
planned for the headliner at the
UFC White House card in June. However, the UFC was allegedly
informed at the last minute that Makhachev wouldn’t fight. However,
Dana White has denied the rumors. Interim lightweight champ
Justin
Gaethje will now challenge Topuria in a title unifier in the
main event at the White House.