Ilia Topuria is considered one of the best strikers on the UFC roster, and his last fight against Max Holloway at UFC 308 — where he became the first fighter to knock out Holloway — speaks to his exceptional striking skills.
Topuria’s striking coach, Javier Climent, made a bold statement that sparked debate across the MMA community. The coach asserted that the Georgian-Spaniard would outclass Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira in striking exchanges.
Ilia Topuria’s Coach Claims He Would Easily Finish Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira
Topuria has vacated his featherweight title and moved up to the lightweight division, where he is now demanding a title shot against Islam Makhachev.
However, Makhachev and his team have made it clear they are not interested in the matchup and believe Topuria must first prove himself in the 155-pound division against potential contenders before earning a shot at UFC gold.
In recent updates, an MMA journalist reported that Topuria is set to fight at UFC 317 for the lightweight title. His opponent could be Makhachev — if the champion doesn’t move to the welterweight division. If the Dagestani star does move up, then Topuria would face Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight belt in the octagon.
Speaking to Álvaro Colmenero, Climent was asked about Topuria’s potential fight against Makhachev and Oliveira. The coach boldly claimed that in striking exchanges, the Spaniard would easily finish both — and even more convincingly against the Brazilian.
“I don’t know in what way they could even prepare a fight with Ilia. Ilia, in striking, kills him; it is very clear to me 100%. I am very clear that, in striking, he ‘kills’ Islam Makhachev and even clearer that he ‘kills’ Charles Oliveira.”
Ilia Topuria's striking coach: "I am very clear that in striking he 'kills' Islam Makhachev and even clearer that he 'kills' Charles Oliveira"
Full interview on KOlmenero & ABC MMA pic.twitter.com/3XzyOhpySU
— Álvaro Colmenero (@KOlmeneroMMA) April 30, 2025
Meanwhile, Oliveira has expressed that he won’t fight Topuria unless it’s for the lightweight title.
Belal Muhammad Weighs In on Potential Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev Fight
Speaking on “Submission Radio,” UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad shared his prediction for a potential bout between Topuria and Makhachev. “Remember the Name” boldly predicted that the pound-for-pound king would easily finish the former featherweight champion in the second round and named Justin Gaethje as a bigger threat to Makhachev than “La Leyenda.”
“No, I think he’ll finish Topuria probably by, like, the second round. I think in the division, stylistically, I mean, honestly I see Islam just dominating all these guys. Obviously, Justin [Gaethje] always has that knockout chance — he always has that power.”
Topuria has hinted at a fight announcement, as in a recent social media post, he revealed that he has begun his fight camp for his next bout.