Ilia Topuria’s rapid rise has reshaped the UFC’s modern landscape, forcing comparisons that once seemed reserved for only a handful of fighters. As the undefeated Spanish Georgian champion continues to collect titles and headlines, his name increasingly appears alongside Conor McGregor’s in conversations about superstardom. Now, Islam Makhachev has weighed in, offering a measured assessment that credits Topuria’s momentum without overstating the parallels.
Speaking to Russian outlet Match TV, Makhachev addressed the growing narrative around what many have labeled the “Topuria effect.” While the Dagestani champion acknowledged Topuria’s current prominence, he stopped short of equating it to the era-defining pull McGregor once commanded.
Acknowledging Topuria’s Moment at the Top
Makhachev did not dismiss the idea that Topuria has become one of the UFC’s most influential figures. On the contrary, he framed the 28 year old as a central figure in the promotion’s present and near future.
If you compare interest, he’s one of the biggest right now, Makhachev said. If you had to pick someone, he would be one of the biggest.
That recognition carries weight coming from a fighter who has spent years at the sport’s highest level. Topuria’s resume supports the claim. He captured the featherweight title with a knockout of Alexander Volkanovski, defended it emphatically, then moved up to lightweight and added another belt by stopping Charles Oliveira. Few fighters in UFC history have executed such a clean and decisive climb across divisions.
Why the McGregor Comparison Keeps Coming Back
The parallels are easy to spot. Like Conor McGregor, Topuria won his first UFC title at featherweight by knocking out a divisional great. Like McGregor, he followed that with championship success at lightweight and has openly discussed ambitions beyond his current weight class. Even the boxing curiosity mirrors McGregor’s earlier crossover against Floyd Mayweather.
Yet for Islam Makhachev, similarities in career milestones do not automatically translate to equal impact.
I don’t think it’s even close, he said, referring to the scale of McGregor’s reach during his peak.
McGregor’s rise coincided with a moment when the UFC crossed fully into mainstream culture. His feud with Khabib Nurmagomedov transcended sport, spilling into global media, legal headlines, and political discussion. UFC 229 became the most purchased pay per view in company history, driven as much by narrative as athletic stakes.
Skill Levels
Islam Makhachev’s distinction rests on context. Topuria commands attention through performances and polish. McGregor, at his height, commanded it through chaos, confrontation, and charisma that reached far beyond the cage.
The Dagestani champion emphasized that McGregor’s timing and counter striking were also central to his appeal. While he credited Topuria with explosive power, he described McGregor as a uniquely gifted counter puncher who punished mistakes with surgical precision.
If we’re talking about pure offensive power, maybe Topuria has more. But as a counter puncher, McGregor was better. His timing, the way he waited and set things up.
I’m a southpaw myself, and he’s a southpaw too. The way he would catch opponents with the left hand while making them miss. That was on another level.
That assessment highlights an important nuance. Topuria overwhelms opponents with pressure and finishing instincts. McGregor often invited danger, waiting for the exact opening to end a fight in seconds.
Different Personalities, Different Paths
Another point separating the two figures lies outside the Octagon. Topuria has cultivated a disciplined, relatively quiet public image. McGregor’s career, particularly after his rise, became inseparable from controversy. Arrests, feuds, and unpredictable behavior amplified his presence but also complicated his legacy.
Makhachev alluded to this contrast indirectly, noting that Topuria’s rise has been driven primarily by results rather than spectacle. That approach may limit comparisons to McGregor’s mainstream reach, but it also offers longevity and stability in an era where sustained excellence often matters more than shock value.
Timing, Hiatuses, and the Road Ahead
Both fighters now sit at crossroads. McGregor has not competed since 2021 but has reentered the testing pool and expressed interest in the proposed UFC White House event in 2026. Topuria, meanwhile, has stepped away temporarily due to personal and legal matters, with an expected return after the first quarter of 2026.
Their timelines may intersect again, at least in conversation if not competition. But Islam Makhachev’s comments suggest the UFC no longer needs to force a one to one comparison. In his view, Topuria represents the present. McGregor represents a moment that may never fully repeat.
Follow FIGHTCORE for more updates.
