"The way I see it, it's non-competitive, but it could go both ways. 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."
Jorge Masvidal believes a potential matchup between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria would be non-competitive, with the outcome heavily favoring one fighter. Masvidal acknowledges Topuria possesses superior speed and knockout power, but emphasizes Makhachev's exceptional grappling dominance and ground control. He references Makhachev's dominant performance against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, where the Dagestani wrestler controlled a striker with strong wrestling defense. Masvidal highlights Makhachev's relentless ground pressure, submission versatility, and ability to deplete opponents' stamina. The anticipated matchup between the undefeated Topuria and dominant Makhachev remains one of the most sought-after fights in the UFC.
Read at Sherdog
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