Islam Makhachev claims Ilia Topuria isn’t bigger threat than Michael Morales at welterweight

Islam Makhachev isn’t sold on Ilia Topuria being a threat to him in the 170-pound division.

Makhachev and Topuria have yet to cross paths inside the Octagon. After capturing the UFC Featherweight Championship and successfully defending the gold against Max Holloway, “El Matador” moved up in weight to challenge for the vacant lightweight title. Makhachev relinquished the 155-pound gold to pursue the welterweight championship.

Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira to win the lightweight title, while Makhachev turned in a one-sided unanimous decision over Jack Della Maddalena to take the welterweight prize. The two have gone back-and-forth over a potential clash at some point, but it doesn’t appear Makhachev feels Topuria can pose a bigger challenge than one top welterweight contender.

In an interview with Ushatayka, Makhachev explained why he thinks Michael Morales would pose a bigger threat to his UFC Welterweight Championship run (h/t MMAJunkie).

“I think Morales is way more dangerous as a puncher,” Makhachev said. “He puts people to sleep with damn near every shot he lands. If you stand there and take shots, every one of them is dangerous.

“But I don’t see Topuria being as dangerous at 170 as he is at 155 because the size is different, different weight, different height. It will be much easier for welterweights to fight Topuria. I don’t see any danger from Topuria if he comes up to 170.”

Topuria is due for an undisputed lightweight title fight at some point in 2026. Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett to capture the interim UFC Lightweight Championship back in January.

As for Makhachev, his first 170-pound title defense hasn’t been determined. Ian Machado Garry has made a strong case to become the next contender, but UFC has yet to make anything official.

Do you think Ilia Topuria is a serious threat to Islam Makhachev’s welterweight gold if he moves up in weight? Tell us in the comment section below.