Hot News: Ilia Topuria’s Shocking Tip to JDM Can DESTROY Islam Makhachev’s Takedowns!
As of 12:35 PM +07 on Sunday, July 20, 2025, the MMA world is abuzz with a bold revelation from Ilia Topuria that could reshape the upcoming welterweight clash between Jack Della Maddalena (JDM) and Islam Makhachev. The featherweight-turned-lightweight champion has dropped a tactical bombshell, suggesting a strategy that might neutralize Makhachev’s renowned takedown game, setting the stage for a potential upset in one of the year’s most anticipated fights.
The Context
The rivalry between Topuria and Makhachev has been simmering for months, fueled by Makhachev’s decision to vacate the lightweight title and move up to welterweight to challenge JDM, the newly crowned 170-pound champion. This move came after Topuria’s stunning knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 on June 28, 2025, which secured him the vacant lightweight belt and elevated him to the top of the pound-for-pound rankings. Makhachev, undeterred, has set his sights on dual-division glory, with a fight against JDM rumored for later this year.
Topuria’s Game-Changing Tip
In a recent statement that has gone viral, Topuria shared a strategic insight with JDM, advising him to focus on “straight body shots” to disrupt Makhachev’s takedown attempts. “He has to work the straight body shots, because that takes away the intentions of the takedown,” Topuria explained. “If he works with the straight body shots, he’s going to stop his intentions of the takedowns.” This advice leverages Makhachev’s reliance on his Dagestani wrestling pedigree, which has seen him dominate opponents with relentless ground control and submissions.
Topuria’s tip stems from his own preparations to face Makhachev, a matchup that fell apart when the latter moved weight classes. Having studied Makhachev’s style extensively, Topuria believes targeting the body could sap Makhachev’s energy and force him to abandon his grappling strategy, opening the door for JDM’s striking prowess to shine.
Implications for the Fight
JDM, known for his aggressive stand-up game and recent dismantling of Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, could find this advice transformative. Makhachev’s takedowns have been a cornerstone of his 27-1 record, but a successful body-shot strategy might tilt the odds in JDM’s favor, especially given the Australian’s knockout power. Fans and analysts are already debating whether this could be the key to ending Makhachev’s pursuit of a second title.
The suggestion has also reignited the Topuria-Makhachev feud, with the Georgian-Spanish fighter hinting he’d move to welterweight himself if Makhachev wins, promising a future showdown. “If Islam becomes the welterweight champion, I’m going to push for that shot,” Topuria has stated, adding fuel to the fire of their ongoing verbal sparring.
Reactions and Speculation
The MMA community is divided. Some praise Topuria’s tactical acumen, noting his own impressive run against legends like Volkanovski and Holloway, while others question if JDM can execute this plan against Makhachev’s elite defense. Posts found on X reflect a mix of excitement and skepticism, with some fans calling it “the blueprint to dethrone Islam,” while others argue Makhachev’s adaptability will prevail.
As the fight nears, all eyes are on JDM to see if he’ll adopt Topuria’s strategy. Should it succeed, it could not only secure JDM’s title defense but also pave the way for a blockbuster Topuria-Makhachev clash, potentially the biggest fight in UFC history outside of Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall.
With the stakes higher than ever, this tip might just be the shockwave that redefines the welterweight division.
