Is UFC Commentator Jon Anik Correct About Ilia Topuria Undersized for the Lightweight Division?

By Tim Burke February 11, 2025 12:13

A much-rumored and anticipated potential fight for the UFC is a matchup between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev . The featherweight champion's persistence to beat the pound-for-pound number one and seemingly indestructible Islam Makhachev has helped gain a lot of traction in this fight.

"Islam, If I want to, I can finish you; I can finish you. If I want to, I can knock you out. I'll make it look easy. See you soon." Ilia Topuria wrote following Makhachev's first-round submission victory over Renato Moicano at UFC 311 in Los Angeles.

Ilia's older brother and coach, Aleksandre, faced off against Topuria's former opponent, Alexander Volkanovski's protege, Colby Thickness, in their respective UFC debuts at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia. The Topuria brothers, Volkasnovski, and the rumored rematch at UFC 314 in Miami garnered a lot of attention.

While the highly anticipated rematch between Volkanovski and Topuria has yet to be announced, Topuria has his sights set on a new challenge. He is considering a move to lightweight to challenge Islam Makhachev for the title.

Jon Anik's Comments

When asked in an interview on the YouTube Page From the Stands, UFC commentator Jon Anik stated, "I do think [Topuria] is undersized, at least as far as a lot of these guys at the top of the lightweight division, Islam Makhachev, especially."

The 5 foot 7 Ilia Topuria is short but is one inch taller than Alexander Volkanovski, who gave Islam Makhachev the most difficult fight of his career. Topuria is also the same height as Arman Tsarukyan, the #1 lightweight contender who many in the MMA community believe presents Makhachev's most significant career challenge.

Is Ilia Topuria Undersized for the Lightweight Division?

Is Ilia shorter in stature than Makhachev? Sure. Would his devastating power translate to lightweight? Absolutely. Look at Canelo Alvarez in boxing. He is 5 foot 7 inches and knocks out fighters who have half a foot on him, throwing them around like rag dolls in the ring. Of course, there is more to size than strictly height. However, Ilia Topuria is built like a truck.

"Ilia hates to cut weight. Every time it gets harder, he doesn't want to do it anymore. Sometimes Ilia weighs around 85kg (187 pounds), so that's a very big weight cut." Topuria's coach, Jorge Climent stated in an interview on Submission Radio.

Makhachev , Oliveira, Poirier, and Gaethje all walk around at a similar weight to Ilia Topuria. In reality, the featherweight champion would not be an undersized lightweight.

Topuria's generational power, elite boxing ability, and strong grappling background make him a viable threat to Islam Makhachev at lightweight. This fight would be highly competitive. The narrative that many in the MMA community have that Makhachev is too big for Topuria is not necessarily accurate.

Should the UFC book Makhachev vs Topuria in 2025?

Are there reasons for this fight not to happen in 2025? Sure. Makhachev more than deserves the opportunity to compete at 170 pounds for the chance to win a second belt. Topuria also could benefit from defending the title one or two more times before seeking double-champ status.

Ilia Topuria speaks five languages: Georgian, Russian, German, Spanish, and English. The 27-year-old was born in Georgia. He left his home country as a child due to the political turmoil surrounding Russia and Georgia after the fall of the Soviet Union. He grew up in Georgia, Germany, and Spain, where he currently resides. Topuria can connect with people worldwide and become an international brand. His popularity in Spain is reminiscent of what Conor McGregor used to have in Ireland. Topuria has the opportunity to become the UFC's next global mega-star, their first since Conor McGregor.

The UFC knows Topuria vs. Makhachev is one of the biggest fights the promotion could make in its more than 30-year history. And if it doesn't make it now, perhaps it never will, with Makhachev hoping to conquer higher divisions. The UFC needs to book this fight as soon as possible.