Ilia Topuria, fresh off a dominant featherweight title reign and a knockout victory over Max Holloway, has set his sights on the lightweight division and its champion, Islam Makhachev. Topuria's ambition isn't merely to win; he's aiming for a spectacular submission victory, one that will echo through the annals of MMA history. He's boldly predicted he will submit Makhachev using a technique favored by Makhachev himself, and he plans to do it while gloating to Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former lightweight champion and Makhachev's mentor. "I will take (Makhachev) and then talk to Khabib," Topuria stated, referencing Khabib's habit of celebrating victories by submitting opponents and engaging in post-fight commentary with UFC president Dana White. "Khabib, I have to do it." This audacious proclamation highlights Topuria's unwavering confidence and his desire to not only defeat Makhachev but also to decisively announce his arrival at the top of the lightweight division. The fight, however, isn't guaranteed. While Topuria believes his impressive record and recent victories warrant an immediate title shot, Makhachev and the UFC might demand an additional fight at lightweight before granting him a title opportunity. Topuria vehemently disagrees, arguing that his accomplishments speak for themselves. He's hoping for a summer or September showdown, expressing frustration with Makhachev's stance, viewing it as a fighter's perspective rather than a promoter's. The potential clash between Topuria and Makhachev presents a compelling matchup of elite grapplers. Makhachev, known for his devastating ground game, is considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Topuria, while possessing a fearsome striking arsenal, is also a highly skilled grappler, evidenced by his impressive submission victories. Topuria's confidence stems from his belief in his ability to overcome Makhachev's grappling prowess and dictate the fight's terms. The fight is further complicated by the presence of Justin Gaethje, who also aims for a title shot. His recent victory over Rafael Fiziev has solidified his claim, adding another layer of complexity to the lightweight title picture. This leaves Topuria’s desired immediate title shot in a precarious position, making his bold prediction all the more significant and exciting for fans. Ultimately, the matchup between Topuria and Makhachev promises an electrifying battle of grappling mastery and strategic prowess. Topuria's bold prediction only serves to heighten the anticipation for what could be one of the most memorable fights of the year. The world will be watching to see if he can back up his words with action, making this a truly must-see event for any MMA fan.