In an exclusive interview with Telecomasia.net, Russian lightweight fighter Alexandr Shabliy stated that Arman Tsarukyan will present more challenges for Islam Makhachev than Ilia Topuria.
Alexandr Shabliy
Everyone has a chance. However, in the fight between Ilia and Islam Makhachev, Islam will be the favorite. Topuria weighs 84 kilograms during the off-season. He is a physically strong guy. My friend had wrestling sessions with him in Spain, and he mentioned that Topuria has decent wrestling defense. But my friend is not Islam Makhachev. And Arman Tsarukyan is a much greater threat than Topuria. He’s already had enough fights in the lightweight division. He has both wrestling and striking skills.
It is worth noting that Ilia Topuria, the current UFC featherweight champion, has moved on to the lightweight category. He has 16 wins and no losses. Makhachev has a record of 26 wins and one loss.
