Outside Source
According to Masvidal, a matchup between Makhachev and Topuria will be a lopsided affair — one way or another. Masvidal believes Makhachev will either dominate Topuria on the ground or get knocked out clean by “El Matador.” While Masvidal considers Topuria faster than Makhachev, he believes that the Dagestani welterweight champion is ruthless on the ground. Masvidal also highlights Makhachev’s dominant welterweight title win over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, which he saw in person. Makhachev ragdolled Maddalena, whom “Gamebred” ranks among the best strikers in the sport with decent wrestling defense.
‘It Could Go Both Ways’
“The way I see it, it’s non-competitive, but it could go both ways,” Masvidal said on the ”Death Row MMA” podcast. “I could see Islam taking him down and making his day very, very long at the office or Ilia getting in there, using his hands and catching him, because Ilia in my book is maybe two notches of speed above Makhachev, and the power is unreal, it’s incomparable. But Makhachev on the ground doesn’t get tired, can submit you from anywhere, and is just so damn good at getting to your legs and making you work. Even if he doesn’t take you down right in the beginning, he’s taxing the F out of your gas tank… I still think Jack is like the cream of the crop. His wrestling defense is not that bad, his striking is second to none, [Islam] played with him.”
A matchup between Makhachev (28-1) and Topuria (17-0) is arguably the most anticipated matchup by UFC fans today. According to rumors, the matchup was originally planned for the headliner at the UFC White House card in June. However, the UFC was allegedly informed at the last minute that Makhachev wouldn’t fight. However, Dana White has denied the rumors. Interim lightweight champ Justin Gaethje will now challenge Topuria in a title unifier in the main event at the White House.
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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