Islam Makhachev trolls Ilia Topuria’s power at welterweight ahead of potential super-fight

Welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has played down the threat of Ilia Topuria moving up in weight to challenge him. Topuria recently became lightweight champion after knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. The Spaniard is now aiming to become the first fighter in UFC history to win titles in three weight divisions. However, Makhachev believes Topuria’s knockout power may not carry the same impact at 170 pounds.Topuria is expected to face interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje in a title unification bout at a UFC event at the White House on June 14. Before any move to welterweight, he must get past Gaethje. Meanwhile, Makhachev has suggested that other welterweight contenders, including rising star Michael Morales, present a greater danger inside the Octagon.Speaking recently, Islam Makhachev claimed that Michael Morales is a far more dangerous striker at the welterweight division.Islam Makhachev explained that, in his view, Michael Morales carries far more knockout danger. He said Morales can finish opponents with almost every clean punch he lands. He added that Ilia Topuria may not have the same impact at 170 pounds because the division features bigger, taller, and stronger athletes. According to Makhachev, welterweights would find it easier to deal with Topuria, and he does not believe Topuria would pose a serious threat if he moved up.Makhachev had earlier hinted that he could fight Topuria in Washington, D.C., but later clarified that his first welterweight title defense will likely come against a current contender in the division.For now, Topuria’s focus remains on Gaethje. His coach, Javi Clement, is confident of a quick finish.Javi Clement expressed total confidence in Topuria’s ability to stop Justin Gaethje early in the possible White House UFC card. He said the fight would definitely end in the first round and likely in the opening exchange. Clement insisted that once Topuria lands cleanly, opponents cannot keep moving forward. He warned that if Gaethje tries to pressure recklessly, he could face the same outcome as Oliveira. Clement also mentioned that Gaethje has technical flaws that have already been studied, and those mistakes could prove costly on fight night.For now, all eyes will be on Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje’s possible bout.