Demetrious Johnson believes Ilia Topuria faces a challenging path in moving up to the lightweight division and suggests he should first face Arman Tsarukyan before potentially challenging Islam Makhachev for the title, while also acknowledging Topuria’s striking prowess but questioning his grappling ability against Makhachev.
Demetrious Johnson foresees a challenging path ahead for Ilia Topuria. The UFC featherweight champ is eyeing a move up to 155 pounds, aiming to challenge lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev. Recently, Topuria mentioned that officials have promised him an immediate title shot, though nothing’s officially set for either fighter’s next bout.
In a chat with Submission Radio, Johnson shared his thoughts on the 155-pound title scene. He noted that Makhachev might have a chance to pursue a second title, especially if the May 10 UFC 315 main event between welterweight champ Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena shakes things up.
“I’d put Islam Makhachev on hold and see what happens at 170 pounds with Jack Della Maddalena vs. Belal Muhammad,” said Johnson. “If Jack beats Belal, then maybe give Islam the chance to become a double champ. Dana White might not be keen on this idea again, but Islam’s pretty much cleared out the 155-pound division.”
“You’ve got Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, and newcomer Ilia Topuria in the mix,” he continued. “I’d like to see Islam get a shot at the 170-pound belt. If Belal holds onto it by beating Jack, then maybe do a rematch between Charles and Islam while Arman faces Ilia Topuria. Plus, there’s Dustin Poirier, Max Holloway, and Paddy Pimblett in the mix.”
Previously, Makhachev was slated to defend his title against Tsarukyan at UFC 311. However, Tsarukyan withdrew due to a back injury just before fight night. Makhachev ended up defeating last-minute replacement Renato Moicano via first-round submission.
Dana White suggested Tsarukyan needs to earn his shot again—a notion Johnson finds reasonable. He believes Topuria might need to face a lightweight contender before meeting Makhachev in the octagon.
“There’re so many potential matchups at 155,” Johnson remarked. “Topuria moving up and changing his name to ‘The Legend’ is intriguing. I think he should be tested at 155 first—maybe against Arman Tsarukyan? That would be epic.”
“Tsarukyan was next in line for a title shot but got injured,” Johnson added. “The UFC wants him to prove himself at 155 first. A matchup between Arman and Ilia could be perfect. Meanwhile, keep Islam busy with someone like Charles Oliveira.”
Topuria’s knockout prowess has gained attention since he defeated Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 for the featherweight title—the first ever to beat Volkanovski at 145 pounds—and followed it up by knocking out Max Holloway.
Known as “La Leyenda,” Topuria often highlights his grappling skills too. When asked if Topuria could out-grapple Makhachev, Johnson had some thoughts.
“We haven’t really seen Ilia on his back or submitting opponents,” he commented. “He’s a solid wrestler with good grappling but tends to rely on knockouts. I believe that’ll be his strategy against Islam.”
“Islam has repeatedly shown his submission skills against top-level black belts,” Johnson concluded. “I doubt Ilia will go that route versus Makhachev—but who knows? We’ll have to wait and see how their styles clash when they finally meet.”