Islam Makhachev has weighed in on comparisons between Ilia Topuria’s current prominence in mixed martial arts and the historic rivalry between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor. Speaking to Match TV, the former UFC lightweight champion acknowledged Topuria as one of the biggest media draws in combat sports today, yet stopped short of equating the featherweight-turned-lightweight champion’s trajectory to one of the sport’s most significant feuds.
Islam Makhachev Credits Topuria’s Rise While Ruling Out Khabib-McGregor Repeat
“I don’t think it’s even close,” Makhachev stated when asked if Topuria’s profile resembled McGregor’s mainstream reach. “But if you compare interests, he’s one of the biggest.