Overview
- Makhachev said Ilia Topuria may have more pure power but called Conor McGregor the superior counter-puncher with sharper timing and trademark left-hand counters.
- The remarks were given in an interview with Ushatayka on December 27–28 and were subsequently reported by multiple MMA outlets.
- Topuria has drawn frequent McGregor comparisons after becoming a two-division UFC titleholder, including a knockout of former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira.
- He currently holds the UFC lightweight belt and has yet to make his first title defense, which keeps speculation focused on future opponents.
- Makhachev’s view carries added credibility as a potential Topuria rival and longtime observer of the McGregor era, though no matchup or challenger was announced.