Topuria striking vs Islam grappling, who wins?

[RockyBuilder]

Hey, mma fans. How realistic is it for Ilia Topuria to beat Islam Makhachev if they ever fight? I feel like Topuria’s striking is elite, but Islam’s pressure and grappling might neutralize it. Wat do you think?

 

[MsPearls]

Realistically, this is one of the most competitive “champ vs champ” matchups in the UFC right now. Topuria absolutely has the tools to make it interesting, elite boxing, sharp timing, and real KO power that can punish entries if Islam shoots recklessly. He’s also physically strong for his size and very hard to break mentally. But Makhachev’s style is exactly what tends to neutralize strikers like him, relentless pressure, chain wrestling, cage control, and elite top pressure. Even if he doesn’t finish you, he can win minutes and drain your output.