Islam Makhachev Picks Ilia Topuria to Beat Justin Gaethje
Islam Makhachev has given his prediction for a potential showdown between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, and he is siding with Topuria.
The UFC star believes Topuria has the tools to beat Gaethje, which immediately adds more attention to a matchup already filled with violence, danger, and major fan interest.
It is a big prediction because Gaethje is one of the most experienced and dangerous lightweights in the sport. But Topuria’s rise, confidence, and knockout power have made many fighters believe he can be a serious threat to anyone.
Makhachev Sees Topuria as the Better Pick
Islam Makhachev is not someone who usually makes empty predictions.
He understands high-level MMA, pressure, grappling, striking, timing, and championship-level mistakes. So when he picks Topuria over Gaethje, fans will pay attention.
Topuria has shown sharp boxing, heavy power, and strong composure under pressure. He does not fight like someone who panics when the pace gets high. He stays confident, looks for openings, and throws with real fight-ending intent.
Against Gaethje, that could be extremely important.
Why Topuria Is Dangerous for Gaethje
Justin Gaethje is famous for chaos.
He brings pressure, leg kicks, power punches, toughness, and one of the most fan-friendly styles in MMA. But that same style can also create openings. Gaethje often gets involved in wild exchanges, and against a puncher like Topuria, one mistake could be costly.
Topuria is compact, explosive, and accurate. He does not need a long combination to hurt someone. If Gaethje opens up too much, Topuria may find the counter shot.
That is likely why Makhachev is leaning toward him.
Gaethje Still Has a Real Path to Win
Even though Makhachev picked Topuria, Gaethje should not be counted out.
Gaethje has fought elite opponents for years and has survived some of the hardest battles in the lightweight division. His experience matters. His leg kicks could also be a major weapon if he uses them early and keeps Topuria from settling into his boxing rhythm.
If Gaethje fights smart, stays defensively responsible, and avoids rushing into dangerous exchanges, he can make the fight very competitive.
But if the fight becomes a pocket boxing battle, Topuria’s speed and accuracy could become the difference.
A Brutal Style Matchup
Topuria vs Gaethje is exciting because both fighters are dangerous in very different ways.
Gaethje is built for wars. He can break opponents with pressure, damage, and pace. Topuria is built for clean violence. He finds openings and punishes them fast.
That contrast makes the fight feel unpredictable.
Gaethje can drag Topuria into deep waters if he survives the early danger. Topuria can end the fight quickly if Gaethje gives him the wrong opening.
That is why Makhachev’s prediction will create debate.
Islam Makhachev picking Ilia Topuria to beat Justin Gaethje adds even more hype to a potential fight that already feels explosive.
Gaethje brings experience, toughness, leg kicks, and chaos. Topuria brings precision, confidence, and knockout power.
Makhachev clearly believes Topuria has the right weapons to get the job done.
Now fans will be asking the same question: can Gaethje survive Topuria’s power, or will Topuria prove Makhachev right?
