The debate over who reigns supreme among UFC strikers has reached a fever pitch as Islam Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion, weighed in on the ever-growing comparisons between Ilia Topuria and Conor McGregor. In a candid interview with Ushatayka on December 28, 2025, Makhachev didn’t mince words, offering a technical breakdown that has since ignited spirited discussions across the mixed martial arts community.
Ilia Topuria’s meteoric ascent has been nothing short of astonishing. Earlier in 2025, Topuria etched his name into UFC history by becoming a two-division champion, a feat that instantly catapulted him into the sport’s stratosphere. His knockout victory over former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira was both brutal and spectacular, serving notice to the entire division that a new force had arrived. That single punch not only earned him the lightweight belt, but also marked him as a major pay-per-view draw and a figure whose confidence and charisma have drawn inevitable comparisons to the notorious Conor McGregor.
But do the similarities end at their brash personalities and penchant for knockouts? According to Makhachev, there are clear distinctions that set the two apart inside the Octagon. “I think when it comes to pure power, maybe Topuria has more,” Makhachev explained. “But as a counter-puncher, I think McGregor was better. His timing, how he waited… The way he met his opponents with his left hand, making them miss and countering. I think that was on another level.”
That assessment, delivered with trademark Russian directness, has resonated with fighters and fans alike. It’s a rare moment of candor from a champion who knows what it’s like to sit atop the UFC mountain. Makhachev’s words carry weight, not just because of his current status, but also because of his deep connection to the sport’s history. He watched McGregor’s infamous clash with Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229, a bout that ended with a dominant submission victory for Nurmagomedov and an unforgettable post-fight brawl that spilled out of the cage and into MMA folklore. The rivalry between McGregor and the Dagestani camp remains one of the most heated in recent UFC memory, and Makhachev has never shied away from defending his team’s legacy.
For Topuria, the comparisons to McGregor are both a blessing and a curse. Like McGregor in his prime, Topuria exudes confidence, talks a big game, and seems to relish the spotlight. His tattoos, fashion choices, and swagger have all drawn nods to the Irishman’s early UFC days. But, as Makhachev points out, there’s more to fighting than bravado. “McGregor’s ability to score counter punches and create space to land a fight-ending blow is sort of legendary,” noted Makhachev, echoing the sentiments of many in the fight game who still see vintage McGregor as the gold standard for striking excellence.
Topuria’s resume, though, is nothing to sneeze at. Not only has he claimed championships in two separate UFC weight classes—a rare accomplishment in itself—he’s done so by finishing fights in style. Fans have been quick to point out that neither Topuria nor McGregor like leaving outcomes in the hands of the judges. Both men prefer to control their own destinies, seeking knockouts and highlight-reel finishes at every opportunity. Yet, as of late 2025, Topuria has yet to defend his newly won lightweight belt, a fact that leaves some observers wondering if he can sustain his momentum or if the comparisons to McGregor are a bit premature.
“When people talk about Topuria and McGregor, they see the tattoos, the walk, the way they talk to the media,” said one longtime UFC analyst. “But when you break down their styles, you see real differences. Topuria is explosive, sure, but McGregor’s timing and ability to read his opponents was something else. That’s what made him a superstar.”
Makhachev’s own journey adds another layer to the conversation. Fresh off his victory over Jack Della Maddalena just five weeks ago, Makhachev captured the welterweight crown and solidified his place among the sport’s elite. The Dagestani champion has made it clear that he’s not rushing back into the Octagon. “I definitely won’t fight in January. I think it will be after Ramadan for sure. They didn’t tell me the name, but honestly, I think it was Michael Morales,” Makhachev revealed. Talks with the UFC are ongoing, but as of now, nothing has been finalized. The champion’s cautious approach speaks to the high stakes involved at the top of the sport—every fight is a legacy fight, and every opponent presents a new puzzle to solve.
Meanwhile, the shadow of McGregor looms large over the entire division. Despite his recent inactivity, the Irishman remains one of the most talked-about figures in MMA. Rumors of a return fight against Michael Chandler in June 2026 have gained traction, keeping fans and pundits on the edge of their seats. McGregor’s ability to command attention, even when he’s not fighting, is a testament to his enduring star power. And let’s not forget, McGregor has publicly bet against Makhachev in the past, adding another layer of intrigue to any potential showdown between the two camps.
As for Topuria, the pressure is on to prove that he’s more than just a McGregor clone. Winning titles in two divisions is an incredible achievement, but defending them is what separates the greats from the legends. With the lightweight belt in his possession and the welterweight landscape shifting, Topuria’s next move will be watched closely by fans and fellow fighters alike. Can he carve out his own legacy, or will he always be measured against the shadow of McGregor?
For now, the MMA world is left to debate, dissect, and dream about what might come next. Makhachev’s honest appraisal has given everyone plenty to chew on: “Maybe Topuria has more pure power, but as a counter-puncher, McGregor was better. That was on another level.” As the UFC gears up for a blockbuster year in 2026, one thing’s for certain—the conversation isn’t dying down anytime soon. With new champions rising, legends plotting their returns, and rivalries simmering, the Octagon remains the ultimate proving ground for greatness.
The next chapter may be unwritten, but the echoes of past and present continue to shape the future of the fight game. Fans will be watching, waiting, and arguing every step of the way.
