Two-weight champion of ONE Championship, Anatoly Malykhin, provided insights on why he believes Islam Makhachev outshines Ilia Topuria as a fighter in an exclusive interview with Telecomasia.net.
Anatoly Malykhin exclusively for Telecom Asia Sport
Islam Makhachev is the best knockout artist and a top pound-for-pound fighter. He surpasses Ilia Topuria in everything – striking technique, wrestling skills, and mental strength. For me, Islam is better both as a striker and as a wrestler at this moment.
On the night of June 29, Ilia Topuria claimed the lightweight title by knocking out Charles Oliveira in the first round, improving his record to 17-0. Makhachev last fought at UFC 311 in January 2025, where he submitted Renato Moicano in the first round, marking his fourth title defense in the lightweight division. Makhachev boasts a record of 27 wins and one loss.
