Ali Bagautinov, president of the Wolnik league, shared his thoughts on a potential matchup between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria in an exclusive interview with Telecomasia.net.
Ali Bagautinov exclusively for Telecom Asia Sport
The toughest fight for Makhachev will be against Arman Tsarukyan. Ilia Topuria won’t be a challenge for Islam. Their levels of wrestling are different, I don’t know about the striking. I would be interested in seeing a fight between Justin Gaethje and Topuria. If Ilia beats Gaethje or Tsarukyan, people will look at him differently. To become a legit title contender, he needs to beat someone from the lightweight elite. I don’t see any reason to give him a title fight right away.
Ilia Topuria's record includes 16 victories and no losses, while Islam Makhachev boasts 27 wins and just one defeat in his professional MMA career.
